Catha For Council Blog

La Roux is a British duo comprised of singer-songwriter Elly Jackson and synth-player and co-writer Ben Langmaid. Although new on the electropop scene, their debut album, the self-titled “La Roux,” is a surprising, stylish, and catchy release - but still far from perfect.

The album kicks off with the second single, the straight-from-the-80s “In for the Kill,” which is a thumping if not slightly repetitive tribute to opening up to one’s love interest. It quickly transitions to the dark “Tigerlily,” one of the best songs on the album. Jackson’s vocals are dynamic, moving from the angry verses to the eerie, whispered chorus, all on a backdrop of deep crunchy synth.

Following that is the first single from the album, “Quicksand,” which features surprisingly tasteful steel drums but sometimes messy vocals.

“Bulletproof,” the next track, as well as the third single, is an undeniably catchy foray with thickly layered electric synth and harsh vocals. Thought not as memorable, other notable songs are the soft-spoken “Cover My Eyes,” bright “Fascination,” and captivating “Reflections Are Protection.”

While oozing of neo-80’s flare, Jackson manages to avoid being tacky despite the, at times, over-the-top instrumentation. In fact, it is her androgynous charm that carries the entire album, transcending it from mildly catchy to irresistible. La Roux’s album isn’t for everyone, though. Fans of the electropop genre will love the thick accent, eccentric style and well-mixed synth, but their over the top style very well may be too much for many.