Being named after a track by No Wave noiseniks DNA, you may reasonably expect Blonde Redhead to be an abrasive listening experience. Instead their sound has evolved into something both smooth and glimmering which may not quite fully embrace the mainstream but isn't likely to upset your neighbours either.
With one part Japanese, two parts Italian and more than a hint of French dressing, theirs is an artful and arty take on dream pop. You'll find no jagged edges here, only an elegant electro-glow honed to perfection for this their seventh full length album.
The melancholy air that pervaded their last album (Misery Is A Butterfly) hasn't wholly departed but there are enough upbeat moments to transport us away from a slough of despond.
The tone is set with the fluid and strident title track that opens the record, making it plain that while they may specialise in reflective commercial pop they aren't about to indulge in negative navel gazing. This and the gorgeous sweep of 'SW' with its luminous piano and brass interludes establish an upbeat mood that reaches a peak with 'Spring & Summer Fall'. This track rattles along at a furious pace as if to rebuke those tempted to cry 'shoegaze'.
Although formed in the early 1990s the band's influences plainly lie in the 80s although with a track such as 'Silently' they extend their range to evoke more than a hint of classic Motown.
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Kazu Makino's voice has a cutesy sweetness that gets a bit cloying at times but there's enough going on in the mix to ensure the listener's focal point never remains solely on her.
The glitch of Heroine sounds harsh in this company but such missteps are rare and the overall sense is of confidence and total control.
This self assurance together with studied cool of the poses on their website portfolio serve to give Blonde Redhead an image of chilled detachment. The risk of this elegant aloofness is that it can come across as coldly remote and while the photogenic threesome steer perilously close to this line with their music there's enough reassuring warmth and melody to engage and enjoy here.
Overall they've succeeded in producing a strong, carefully sequenced album that deserves to reach a wider audience.
Album info : 10 tracks - running time - 43.29
Official band website
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