La Roux’s self-titled debut in 2009 revitalized mainstream audience interest in the largely defunct synthpop genre. Fronted by Elly Jackson and supported by Mickey O’Brien, Matty Carroll, Ed Seed and William Bowerman, the success of La Roux was meteoric. And so, it seemed somewhat flummoxing that the group has waited until now, five years later, to finally re-emerge. And even more surprising is the altogether different tone of Elly Jackson’s vocals and lyrics. Album artwork for the forthcoming Trouble in Paradise
Decidedly reminiscent of Hounds of Love-era Kate Bush, La Roux’s slowed down pacing on the first single from their upcoming sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise (out July 8th, adding to your summer soundtrack just in time), is a departure from their usual up-tempo beats. Lyrics like, “Tell me that I’m someone good, so we’re not so far apart/I hope it doesn’t seem like I’m young, foolish and green,” evoke La Roux’s melancholy on “Cover My Eyes.” Simple and classic.
Whether or not La Roux will sustain this slow jam propensity for the entirety of the album remains to be seen. But here’s hoping they haven’t forgot about their “In For The Kill”-style roots.
