Title: Velocifero
Artist: Ladytron
Genre: Electronic / Wave
Release Date: 30th May 2008
Label: Major Records
Introduction
The name LADYTRON borrowed from a ROXY song was already set before the sound freaks Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu met Helen and Mira who should later become the voices of the band. Hunt and Wu had already worked on songs before which were now elaborated by the quarter and released on the first long player ‘604’ in 2001. Only one year later, the second album ‘Light & Magic’ followed and strengthened the band’s status and an extended tour followed mostly in the band’s home country. Speaking of tours; the live performances of the bands are as unconventional as their style is. All members are dressed in black and while Wu and Hunt remain fairly static at their synths in the back, the two ladies enchant the audience with their voices supported by visuals projected on video walls. Fans had to wait long for some new material, which cam in the form of the third album ‘The Witching Hour’ in 2005 and found its re-release by the German label Major Records in 2007, so the fans there could finally get their hands on it too and now their newest work ‘Velocifero’ is close to its release
Members
Helen Marnie - Vocals, Keys
Mira Aroyo - Vocals, Keys
Daniel Hunt - Keys, Programming
Reuben Wu - Keys, Programming
Website
http://www.ladytron.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/ladytron
Track Review
01. Black Cat
A quite calm start, the album opener comes along with, but it’s trying to fool you, so you’re thinking this would go o n like this forever. Then the surprise comes with a hard-hitting electronic drum line supported by some extremely deep bass effects. For some time the song stays instrumental and layer is put upon layer until Mira’s voice comes in. She’s singing the song in her mother language and I think that’s quite an interesting element and a successful element. I like it.
02. Ghost
It’s fascinating how some songs are able to cast a spell on you in the fraction of a second. You just listen to it and love it. ‘Ghost’ is such a song. A surprisingly simple sounding mid-tempo groove and some indie guitar lines are the basic elements. You think that’s not interesting enough, then wait for the chorus, when Helen sings the magic words that will get into your mind and won’t leave it once heard “There’s a ghost in me who wants to say I’m sorry, doesn’t mean I’m sorry.” Also the strings or organ sounds in the back create a very special atmosphere.
03. I’m not Scared
We’re wasting no time with an intro this time and get right to the real important things and so the song starts right away with the full set of drums and synths. The driving drums in combination with the guitars put the song into a rather synth indie rock direction if I may call it that way. One thing you should also have an ear on is the synth work in the back towards the end of the song which sounds pretty awesome.
04. Runaway
An analogue sound modulation with increasing volume starts the song and before it reaches its apex it alternates with the appearing drums. I would call this a classic dance track and not because of the song structure itself. The ‘classic’ is meant as a reference to the used sounds because I don’t think the beats originate from a newer drum computer. The special symbiosis of the comparatively cold synths and the warm organic guitars and strings gives birth to a really special atmosphere thus I think it will be a fan favourite and for sure a crowd pleaser.
05. Season of Illusions
The ‘Illusions’ in the title’ is something that delivers a good description for the ambience this song spreads. It’s a bit unreal like it isn’t from this world. This is mainly because of the extended synth layers in this song. You’re feeling like being pushed into another world and from afar sounds Mira’s distinct voice. Did I mention that I like the little accent in her voice? That gives it another touch of uniqueness.
06. Burning Up
Guess it’s time to return to reality but does it have to be so harsh. The song crushes forward with its cold stomping industrial beat and distorted bass lines (Or is it actually a synth?). More melodies come in and it’s again Helen’s turn to perform the vocals. Though it doesn’t seem like it at first, the song is pretty complex and layered and has grown on me with every listen.
07. Kletva
This is actually a cover version out of a Bulgarian children’s move from the 70s and what would be better than letting Mira do the vocals for that song. The song captures the charm of an old movie very well as far as I can tell. The start of the track is pretty unspectacular with a time halting beat, a sweet melody and the vocals but it evolves through different tomes and becomes a storm of keys, synths and drums.
08. They gave you a Heart
For me this is the weakest song of the album because there doesn’t really happen much during the course of this song. It starts with full throttle with a punchy dance beat and the accompanying synth lines and except for some minor additions here and there it stays like that. In my opinion that’s much too little but I do like the chorus.
09. Predict the Day
What an idea to use a whistle as a kind of instrument to start a song, it’s a distant whistle but when the stomping industrial beat comes in is appears a bit strange to those totally different elements in one song, but it also shows that LADYTRON is open for experiment and in this case it worked out pretty well as the experiment reigns the whole song. While the ladies are repeating their lyrics over and while Helen pleases our ears with another great performance of her vocals, the background is constantly shifting. New elements appear, others are suddenly gone and lots of other interesting things. Those who are into more experimental stuff will surely love this one. Brilliant stuff!!!
10. Lovers
This song is the result of collaboration with the Columbian band SOMEKONG. A sound like an evil hissing is fusing with a deep modulation and together with other elements all this is compressing to a sonic cloud before the beat is catching you to carry your soul away. A sublime darkness is floating through the song and captivates your attention but before you’ve realized it the song is over...
11. Deep Blue
I noticed a certain similarity in this song regarding the drum line. It sounds a bit like the one used in ‘Runaway’, though it shows more power than that one. ‘Deep Blue’ is like gliding over the surface of the sea. You get caught by its atmosphere and it won’t let you go until the last tone died away. Wonderful melodies and you’ll get a violin solo on top which is awesome and will cause you goose bumps for sure.
12. Tomorrow
Warmth is embracing you like the one you feel on a summer morning, when the sun is rising. The song bears a spirit of hope like everything is getting better now and all the troubles of the past lie behind you and you can now look forward to ea new day and a brighter future. Some might complain about the pop direction of the song, but I don’t see the point in doing so because this is a brilliant piece of pop music and it’s not as mediocre as some of the other pop songs out there. IT has a great atmosphere, a great atmosphere and it’s not cheesy.
13. Versus
And what could be better to close an album with yet another example of how good pop music can be if you just know how to make it right.. ’Versus’ the catchphrase in the lyrics as every single line of the lyrics is connected with one “Like a kitten versus rain, a cathedral versus lie versus shame”. It is a nice idea to build up the lyrics that way. Gives the whole thing a very special turn, don’t you think? Organ sounds and acoustic guitars guide you through the song. The overall sound has been kept pretty organic, what you can also recognize by the chorals, which aren’t created by synths here. Helen is supported by a male singer here and the two voices harmonize perfectly together in my opinion.
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 10
Extras: -
Total: 9.5
Conclusion
For me this album is perfect, except for ‘They gave you a Heart’ which is the weak point of the album. But that will be a matter of taste as always and despite that song LADY TRON hit the bull’s eye with ‘Velocifero’. It has the right balance between more experimental tracks like ‘Predict the Day’ or rather catchy tunes like ‘Ghost’. But even the experimental tunes are never too complicated. They surely need some time to get into but then you’ll just love them. All I can say is: Well done. This is a brilliant album.
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