With a few new members added since the previous effort Nights Out, Metronomy’s sound is now more diverse than ever.
A blend of indie guitar licks, disco-infused beats and moody synths creates an album that feels varied and holds that element of fun that seems lacking in some dance acts. The tunes manage to stay upbeat and warm without falling too much in the poppy territory that so many indie-dance acts have done before, and the singing of front man and producer Joseph Mount doesn’t feel too invasive over the instruments.
The low-key nature of the whole affair works well in saving the music from becoming too cheesy or overblown and yet still gives it room to experiment with different sounds and tones in a fun way. Hell – there’s even a kazoo riff at one point. The range of styles is impressive, on tracks like ‘The Bay’ the bass takes a funkier turn and everything falls into a very chic disco feel with a bouncing chorus that can’t help but make you smirk. On others, such as the single ‘The Look’, there is a decidedly more intricate and synth-y feel and the song seems set to be a great summer tune. Sadly, as the album winds on the restrained nature of the beats feels like it strangles some songs that never really make a mark. Thankfully the album picks up again in the final two songs which recapture the fun.
The title of the album – The English Riviera – is a perfect description for its contents. This is an album that doesn’t try to blast out anthems, but is a perfect accompaniment to a relaxing beer in the garden or a laugh at a festival campsite during those summer nights.
Alex Adams
Tags: dance, disco, indie, Joseph Mount, metronomy, Nights Out, synth, The English Riviera
