James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Lykke Li is an indie/electro singer who is perhaps not as well known as her debut album meant she deserved to be, with its extremely positive critical reception and catchy singles such as ‘Little Bit’. However, does Wounded Rhymes follow in this success now that she has matured slightly to the age of 23, and will it increase listeners’ awareness of her?
Lead single ‘Get Some’ is a sexually provocative offering- ‘I’m your prostitute/you gon’ get some’- with a tribal drumming idea and a slightly experimental feel, all of which have helped to spur Lady Gaga comparisons; however, the latter is more conventionally chart-friendly whilst making statements, particularly through fashion, whereas the former is more understatedly quirky. Second single, ‘I Follow Rivers’, is arguably a stronger offering to precede the album, thanks to more understandable vocals, a more relatable subject matter- ‘You’re my river running high/I follow you’- and a catchier chorus. Nevertheless, both singles bode well for the album.
Overall, Lykke Li’s vocals are haunting and troubled, setting a mysterious tone that can capture the listener through her voice alone. However, the problem is that the record as a whole is so repetitive; it’s like they found a technique that worked and used that with its variants to create an album which, though it sounds together and complete, can get a little boring. The main and most notable technique is the strong drumming emphasis, including those of the tribal and steel variety, often creating a syncopated beat; while this is effective, it is used far too often, and this along with the similar vocal techniques and melodies throughout means that the album becomes somewhat predictable after the first few songs.
In spite of this, there is still a great deal to enjoy here, with highlights being ‘I Follow Rivers’, ‘Love Out of Lust’ and ‘I Know Places’, one of the album’s biggest contrasts with a more laid back feel. Obviously this is subjective, but it feels as if Lykke Li has more going for her than our famous friend Lady Gaga- her sound is more individual and less chart-poppy, though there is a great deal of repetition in both of their songs. Though it is doubtful that Wounded Rhymes will widen Lykke Li’s fanbase and reputation by much, she definitely deserves some more recognition.
★★★☆☆
Like it? Try The XX, Clare Maguire or Lady Gaga
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