Rank: 3/5
Electro-rock duo The Shoes are best known for remixes of European indie artist Late of the Pier and Wiley.
However, the band is back to its original work with its latest release “Chemicals.”
The duo’s last original release, “Crack My Bones”, dropped in 2011 with moderate reviews. In an attempt to win critics and listeners, the duo released “Chemicals” and added a bevy of electric instruments, pop synths and distorted verses well-crafted for infinite spins at Armani Exchange.
Group members Guillaume Brière and Benjamin Lebeau may have redeemed themselves with this album, having serve up what may be their best project.
“Chemicals” stays true to the duo’s sound, but listeners may hear tighter production and heavy use of computerized drums on some songs while others fall short. If the duo’s YouTube teaser for this album is anything to go by you can expect quirky harmonies and left-field instrumentals that will be happily at home in a rave.
“Submarines” is the first single and features English singer Blaine Harrison, best known as lead singer of indie-rock group Mystery Jets. Harrison is sonically cohesive with the duo on this mellow track about a submarine flowing beneath the waves, a metaphor for something unexplained takes nothing away from this piano assisted track. This song has a sound synonymous with The Beatles harmonic and light tone.
Enjoyable, this tracks release to U.S. radio may mean the second coming of a musical British invasion.
“Us & I” is a tribal influenced song equipped with tribal chants, calypso horns and another British crooner, Esser. Not to be mistake with Harrison, Esser delivers sharp grungy vocals to this club anthem singing about a good time with friends. A break in the beat to a computerized chord progression adds to the song’s high energy. The lyrics and instrument are well connected and may promote listeners to throw a party in the jungle with hopes of catching the songs vibe.
“Give It Away” tells listeners to give their heart away, but fans may be weary of doing such after listening to one of the albums less impressive songs. Singer POSTAAL creates perfect harmonies, and the organ backed instrumental makes a good funeral back drop. Together they create an unforgiving collection of madness. This track seems underdeveloped and rushed, something that occurs a few times on this record.
“Chemicals” tells the story of an electro-rock duo that is developing in musical skill but is not quite there yet. Some songs impress, while others show a rushed piece of work. This album is still not to be missed because there are electro-fused gems amongst lackluster coals that may influence listeners to dance like nobody’s watching.