With its mixture of robotic electronic sounds and science fiction kitsch, Ladytron offers an irrevocably singular album. This first disc is composed of previous singles as well as new titles, assembling a collection of invigorating pieces with a hook.
Influenced by Kraftwerk, Esquivel, New Order and the kitschy imagery of science fiction films of the Fifties, the group has a unique style, which should thrill electronic pop fans. Their sound has an obsolete charm and a naïveté that seems to come straight from the soundtracks of classic sci-fi films like Forbidden Planet or The Time Machine, or even the novels of Ray Bradbury.
"Driven-Tron" is a syncopated opening, very Kraftwerk, while "Discotrax", with its electro-bass and Mono-like vocals, would most likely be a hit in Martian discotheques. " Another Breakfast With You" blends Hammond organs, saturated bass, and Clavinova. "The Way That I Found You" is an involved anthem full of blame. "Paco", like many advertisements, is a robotic and repetitive critique of consumer society in the vein of films by Jacques Tati. Next, "Commodore Rock" is the emblematic single of the group while the instrumental "Zmeyka" is located somewhere between Death In Vegas and David Holmes. "Playgirl" is without a doubt their most melodious piece and the strongest moment of 604, while "He Took Her To A Movie" is a cry of despair towards certain men's lack of affection. The interlude "Laughing Cavalier " seems drawn from an intergalactic western spaghetti film. "Ladybird" and "Jet Age" are Sixties-inspired songlets. "School's Out" concludes the disc on a new wave note.
604 is the perfect soundtrack for our cyber years.
Ladytron 604
