“Emerging from the depths of Brixton as La Roux, 20-year-old Elly Jackson – supported by producer Ben Langmaid – is the newest electro-popette in town. Having heard Skream’s excellent Let’s Get Ravey remix of ‘In For The Kill’ thrashed in the clubs, I was curious to listen La Roux’s self titled album in its virgin state.”
The record kicks off with a roar and a Korg. Stand out tracks include ‘Tigerlily’- featuring a homage to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ (beautifully enunciated by Jackson’s dad); and ‘Bulletproof’ – sassy pop punctuated by a vocoder breakdown. Hooky melodies are littered throughout the album, however some of the later tracks falter lyrically with weak rhymes like ‘Fascination’ (sensation) and ‘Reflections Are Protection’.
Comparisons to Annie Lennox and Victoria Hesketh’s Little Boots project have been tossed around; but I found La Roux more in line with the synth sensibilities of Ladyhawke, with lashings of Lily Allen’s no-love-lost attitude. In particular, the slower ballad ‘Armour Love’ could be mistaken for Allen – no surprises then, that Jackson supported Lils on her recent UK tour.
The album ends with a pulsing bonus track, ‘Growing Pains’. For someone so fresh, Jackson may have a few; but with prominent billings on the festival circuit and that striking orange quiff, she’s headed for success.”
