Every once in a while a song comes along that just gets under
your skin, gets in your brain and gets comfy, staying there for weeks (if not
months), and making you a tad obsessed with its beats and lyrics. A song that
makes you hit repeat over and over again, a song that you shamelessly blare on
your car stereo and turn the volume up subtly at home. For me, this recent
obsession was the song ‘Bulletproof’ by La Roux.
You wouldn’t expect the androgynous looks and sharp
falsetto of singer Elly Jackson to easily strike such a chord with the
record-buying public, yet massive singles ‘In For The Kill’ and ‘Bulletproof’
spent weeks in the upper reaches of the UK singles charts. Of course,
everyone’s been going a bit ‘80s Doodah at the moment, but La Roux’s debut is
the ultimate expression of our newfound love for that once-maligned decade.
Much of that comes down to Jackson’s low-profile partner Ben Langmaid. He
helped introduce her to the likes of the Human League, Depeche Mode and Eurythmics,
whose unmistakable presence is felt on every track. Yet for all the ripping off
of their electronic forebears, the pair have created an unforgettable and edgy
pop record. Launching into the album ‘In For The Kill’ does exactly what the
song title promises: kicking off an attack of irresistible tunes and arresting
production. Following in short succession by the equally catchy ‘Tigerlily’ and
singles ‘Quicksand’ and ‘Bulletproof’, the band falls into that classic trap of
using up their best material rather quickly. For all the fantastic synth work,
it’s Jackson’s incredible ability to be both powerful and vulnerable that
leaves those other women who are rocking the 80’s vibe staring jealously from
the other side of the dancefloor.