The challenge facing a reviewer is often to step beyond lazy comparisons- not every art-school rock band sound like Franz Ferdinand and not every drippy acoustic guitar band sound like Coldplay. Similarly not every laid-back melodic electronica track should be instantly compared to the obvious Zero 7 or Air- but in this case there really seems to be no alternative!
There are moments that recall Goldfrapp or Chunking, but there is an unmistakable influence that exhibits itself in this release from West London's THE LIGHTS. There are all the lush strings and electronic noises that you expect- all shimmering ambience and dreamy-relaxed tones. Imogen Andrews' tender yet sultry voice taylor-made for the genre, though sometimes you feel it could have been better produced- and similar criticisms could be leveled at the sample choices.
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To compete against the greats of the "chill-out" track takes more than pushing the right buttons though. Crucially "No Conditions" doesn't ever seem to step out of the trail of the more obvious and break beyond the lazy comparisons. In fairness it still avoids blandness, there are strong melodies and a definite atmosphere. Though perhaps nothing remarkably new- the result is a still very likable track.
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