I used to listen to my mom’s old 80s cassette tapes and records, merely because I hadn’t developed my own taste in music. Even if I was born in the latter half of 1989, I can still say that I’m a child of the 80s. Elly Jackson is a fellow child of the 80s, but listening to he
r and recording partner Ben Langmaid’s debut La Roux (in French meaning “red-haired one”), you wouldn’t expect the self-proclaimed “ginger boy” to be just 21. Released in the States Sept. 29, the music that Jackson and Langmaid turn out sounds more like the old 80s cassettes I stole from my mom than the hits coming through the airwaves these days, and it’s incredibly refreshing.
Sure, electro-pop has gotten its second wind in 2009 with Lady GaGa and Little Boots sending everyone into a tizzy, but La Roux’s sound takes advantage of the distinctly 80s synth they’ve adopted. Starting off the record, “In For The Kill” sends us straight into Jackson’s falsetto and a complete track void of bass, giving a youthful, tinny introduction to a outstanding debut. Most artists wouldn’t have the cojones to sing falsetto on the first song, but Jackson succeeds her age in most aspects on the record.
Both the second song on the record, “Tigerlily,” and the second single released in the UK months ago, “Bulletproof,” surely show another side of Jackson’s voice, and another attitude. “Tigerlily” is both sassy and sexy, with a killer beat on Langmaid’s part. And as upbeat and danceable as “Bulletproof” is, it’s essentially Jackson telling a gent that she’s not going fall for his crap anymore. It’s modern-day girl power, even if Jackson’s persona is indisputably androgynous.
From there, La Roux dives into tracks featuring synthed steel drums, so reminiscent of Yazoo and Erasure, you almost forget you’re listening to someone who’s 21 years old right now. The lyrics are the one giveaway that Jackson is still young – but not immature. The ideas aren’t dated, or clichéd, and relatable without being pedestrian. The one thing, musically, that La Roux does differently than their much older influences is the vocal layering – especially on “In For The Kill,” “I’m Not Your Toy” and “Reflections are Protection.” Those songs – as well as the rest of the album – are best when listening to them on large, doughy headphones that cover your ears completely. It’s just too bad La Roux isn’t coming anywhere near Seattle on their next tour, as I’d like to hear how to these songs sound live.
It seems that this “red-haired one” and her partner have become the new leaders of the 80s comeback. If you haven’t realized that yet, I highly recommend finding their album.
British magazine The Fly says: “With this superb self-titled debut, which is every bit as good as the hype hinted at, the flame-haired Brixtonite has managed to paint sublime pictures of love and loss with squelchy synths, clipped beats and shimmering electronics.”
Tracklisting:
01. In for the Kill
02. Tigerlily
03. Quicksand
04. Bulletproof
05. Colourless Colour
06. I’m Not Your Toy
07. Cover My Eyes
08. As If By Magic
09. Fascination
10. Reflections Are Protection
11. Armour Love
La Roux: website | myspace
