Filed under: Releases of the Week | Tags: Black Light, Bryan Ferry, David Bowie, Friendly Fires, Groove Armada, Klaxons, Ladyhawke, LCD Soundsystem, MGMT, Nick Littlemore, Roxy Music, SaintSaviour, the white stripes
Groove Armada's sixth album is a positive adjustment for the band
PREVIEW: VISIT Groove Armada’s MySpace
WE GIVE IT: 16/20 Watts
It took over two and a half years, but Groove Armada’s Andy Cato and Tom Findlay have finally revealed their new sound with Black Light. The group’s sixth studio album features heavy 80s dance beats mixed with low-key lyrics. In comparison to previous albums, Black Light contains a new songwriting style while also maintaining the flair that fans have come to expect.
The British musicians didn’t do it alone, though—all of the 11 original songs on Black Light boast an impressive list of guest artists. GA works with SaintSaviour and Nick Littlemore four times over the course of the upbeat, tell-all album. Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry collaborates with the musical pair on “Shameless.” The track combines French-speaking seduction with a more lax sound and less vocals than other songs on Black Light. Coincidentally, Ferry’s Roxy Music was named as one of their inspirations for the release, among other artists like Friendly Fires, Klaxons, Ladyhawke, LCD Soundsystem and MGMT. Continue reading
Filed under: Editor Picks | Tags: British Invasion, Editor's Picks, Friendly Fires
Yes, British import Friendly Fires is going to be featured in the upcoming issue of 20 Watts. But I couldn’t resist giving you all a quick preview of the band with my latest obsession, “In the Hospital” from their self-titled debut: it’s 4 minutes of funked-out bliss. Heavy percussion, a throbbing bass, handclaps, trumpets, and plenty of “do do dos” could make for one big mess. But these three English lads stop just short of campy to produce a tight, highly-danceable track that I guarantee you won’t be able to get out of your head. Check it out on iTunes for now (it’s not yet available on the band’s MySpace).
– Jen
20 Watts 