The Sounds

To me The Sounds always sounded (no pun intended) like they could be a crossover hit in the United States, and it sounds like “Crossing the Rubicon” the band’s third, could be their mainstream crossover album. People have to understand although it’s sounds ( again no pun intended) slightly different from previous sounds album as the overall tone of album is not upbeat, but this is good as it allows for the lead singer Maja Ivarsson to display her vocal abilities more than ever. The standouts on this album are "No One Sleeps When I’m Awake",( which in true Sounds fashions sounds very similar to "The Only Ones" , another song on the album) "Beatbox", ( which sounds like an obvious attempt at a party song, which they are known for) "Crossing the Rubicon" and the melancholy, reflective instrumental “ "Goodnight Freddy" among others. For a band that can be loud and somewhat relegated to a “party electro pop” band to me this is the most mature album to date by the Swedish Sounds. It seems that the metaphorically and in sound ( no pun..yeah you get it) that the Sounds have officially crossed the Rubicon. Go pick it up.

La Roux

La Roux is not a woman, but rather a British duo consisting of a female Singer/producer and a male producer, although the front woman, Elly Jackson is the pure public face of this outfit. La Roux takes 80’s retro/electro pop marriage that has been going on for a few years now to the next level. Elly Jackson isn’t the best singer alive but for this music, she fits like a glove. The Standouts are “In for the Kill”, Tiger Lilly which features a Thriller- esqe Vincent Price “rap” about stalking a lost love, “Bullet Proof” and “Fascination” and “Growing Pains. Although this album can seem repetitive from a style stand point, it’s fun to listen to, catchy hooks and all. Give La Roux’s self titled album a chance and maybe you might like it.