Quick Review: La Roux – La Roux [2009, Cherrytree]

Jun
30
2009

Quick Review: La Roux – La Roux [2009, Cherrytree]

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Toronto – La Roux is an English synth pop duel featuring synth player and lead vocal Elly Jackson and her partner in production – Ben Langmaid. They make 80s dance synth pop music in the veins of Annie Lennox mixed with the Human League mixed with the Pet Shop Boys. You might have heard of this band if you listen to Kitsune Compilations every year and found a dance gem called ‘Quicksand’ on one of them.. I don’t know. Also, another single “In For the Kill” was a massive hit in the UK or something. No one pays attention to UK charts except Josh anyways, I’m sure he can tell you the story of it.

The self title debut came out last week or two weeks ago and it is quite good. Forget the gimmicky haircut and fashionista branding of Elly Jackson, that is only good for the visual MTV generation, I like catchy music and this album is exactly that. I will admit, Elly Jackson has a very unique but perhaps very polarizing voice. It’s quite a high falsetto, but not like Mariah Carey high, I don’t know how to explain it. I can see how some people would be put off by it. This album is pure eighties pop – the dance numbers are heavy on synth and have light and immediately catchy choruses while the slower ballad hold a modest pace, have a croon vibe to them and make you think of slow motion high school kids running towards each other in the rain.

I think a good litmus test of how 80s a song is these days is if you listen to it, can you see it for a soundtrack for a classic 80s movie? If so, then bam, you got an 80s song.

Standout tracks that will be filling some dance floors include the singles “In For the Kill”, “Quicksand” and “Bulletproof”. The latter sees Elly Jackson use what is probably her normal voice or something. I actually think the ballad songs – “Cover My Eyes” and “Armour Love” are the strongest tracks on the album, which says something about the album from an artist who is known for upbeat dance music.

Don’t let the 80s references bother you, this album is pop supreme and a great summer soundtrack.