It feels like La Roux has really blown up out of nowhere. The first singles “Quicksand” and “Bulletproof” have become instant dance-floor hits, supported by an almost cult-like online blog following and comparisons to other artists the likes of Little Boots and The Golden Filter; all of this while generating a frenzy over a full-length stateside release. While those two tracks may be catchy, the self-titled debut from the English “synth-duo” of Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid is really based more on hype than anything else.
Opening track “In for the Kill” is clearly intended to be a grand, empowering anthem for independence, yet Jackson doesn’t have the presence to deliver her commands, and comes across as apologetic for trying to be so in-charge. This attitude carries over on “Tigerlily” and “Bulletproof,” in which she develops her assertiveness, but only minimally. It sounds as though something is holding her back from revealing her inner diva – unsteady ground for a debut that tries to front attitude as its primary asset.
That isn’t to say their debut is all bad. The sound created by Jackson and Langmaid is simple, fast, and danceable, and while at times it does feel repetitive, the greatest successes of the album are when they shake things up. “Fascination” and “As If By Magic” are by far the strongest tracks, instances where Jackson calms down and goes for a more sensitive approach. Likewise, the love-sick ballad “Cover My Eyes” is cute and authentically sweet, a rare display of emotional vulnerability. These tracks make you wish the entire album had been done in their style, however, they do make the other misses on the album forgivable. La Roux certainly has potential to stick around, so long as they stay wise about where they are headed.
Release date: June 29 (UK) / July 7 (US & Canada)
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