Trouble In Paradise
La Roux
La Roux’s back with a second album and a change in line-up.
For the 2009 eponymous debut album, it comprised singer Elly Jackson and record producer Ben Langmaid. It is now a solo act after Langmaid left, reportedly over creative differences.
The debut was both a commercial and critical success with hit tracks such as In For The Kill and Bulletproof, deftly mixing infectious beats with coolly poised lyrics. Jackson’s striking androgynous swagger did not hurt either.
The androgynous look remains but otherwise, Trouble In Paradise is less immediate in the hooks department. And the synth-pop here has more of a throwback, retro vibe compared to the previous record.
It works best on tracks such as Uptight Downtown, Kiss And Not Tell and the bass-thumping Silent Partner on which she disses a lover: “You’re not my partner, no you’re not a part of me/I need/Silence.”
Hopefully, she will find more of her own voice in the next outing.
(ST)