It's Black versus La Red (From Mid Devon Star)

It's Black versus La Red

5:19pm Wednesday 1st July 2009

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DAN BLACK: Un (A and M Records): THIS Parisian based Englishman has raised a few eyebrows with two limited release singles, including the hymnal ‘Symphonies’ which is taken from this album.

For lovers of synth electronica, this is a mix of hip hop and space rock and he has been hailed as the man to watch in that genre – although the lady below might have something to say about that!

Written by Black in his Paris cellar, it was mixed back in London by Tom Elmhurst who has worked with Amy Winehouse and The Kills.

The album is full of electro fuzz without too much fizz though, as the drum machine and keyboards get a little too monotonous after a few tracks.

‘Symphonies’ opens the album in style, with its mix of ‘Umbrella’ and John Carpenter’s ‘Starman’ soundtrack, classic pop.

‘U and Me’ has a Ting-Tings feel, while ‘Ecstasy’ is a moodier, more thoughtful song that travels at a slower, steadier pace, and has a distinctive R&B vibe, especially during the choruses. ‘Melody’ returns in full flow while ‘Cocoon’ is another ballad which shows off his excellent voice. ‘Yours’ has a hooky beat to make it a standout track, while the bass line in ‘Pump My Pumps’is another good dance track.

Of the other tracks, ‘Cigarette Pack’ and ‘Let Go’ are catchy, riffy numbers with more of that synth sound.

It’s a good start for Black , especially ‘Symphonies’, but whether its good enough to make him a top player I’m not sure.

LA ROUX: La Roux (Polydor): Now La Rou for me is a different story. More synth dance pop here but this time with real class and the girl can sing.

You will already have heard her on hit single ‘In for the kill’ and the about to be released ‘Bulletproof’ which for me is an even better track, while ‘Quicksand’ was a smaller hit.

The flame haired beauty has a crystal clear voice, which can hit falsetto with ease, but it is in the lower range where she proves she has a voice which could go on to much greater heights away from this genre, I believe.

Elly Jackson, to give her real name, has the quirky looks of Lady GG to go with her singing performance and this first album will set her up for a big career. She plays the synth and the other half of La Roux is collaborator Ben Langmaid, who has been with Elly for four years. He is co-writer and co-producer and they have made an unmistakable sound for electro fans. Although it is commonly thought La Roux is a solo act, they call themselves a duo band.

There are a dozen catchy tracks with the three singles standing out while there are other very catchy numbers like ‘Tigerlily’, ‘Fascination’, and ‘Cover my eyes’ which features the London Community Gospel Choir and just might make a surprise hit if released.

For the dance floor, it’ll be massive I’m sure, and those singles could be enough to push this album to the top or near to it. Its catchy from the word go and the 80s electro sound has been brought right up to date by Langmaid and the girl’s soaring vocals.

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