Ladytron – Paradises (Nettwerk) (13th Floor Album Review)

Ladytron, the lauded English electronica group formed in Liverpool in 1999, known for synthesizing EDM, shoegaze, and 70s new wave with a synth focussed approach. Now consisting only of trio Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo, Daniel Hunt, since longtime member Reuben Wu left in 2023.

On the band’s latest album, their eight album – Paradises, the band have cohesively approached the project, creating electro-pop that counterposes past albums like 1999’s Light & Magic and 2005’s Witching Hour. Mystically drawing on the influences of New Order, Pet Shop Boys and possibly Crystal Castles, adept at creating atmospheres that feel nostalgic, dark but equally, having the listener reliving the vibe of Ibiza at its’ height.

Truly, Ladytron have produced, created in Paradises an album full of dancefloor bangers. Lead single I Believe is jammed full of 90’s sounds and tricks that infect and trigger the rhythm in the listener. Kingdom Under The Sea has that unmistakable piano rift any raver would recognise. Meanwhile I see Red, simply will have one spinning round, right round.
Death In London brings the album’s pace down, as Secret Dream of Thieves, while Sing quickly returns the vibe. Caught In The Blink of an Eye, has an ephemeral feel, though at times the handclaps distract a little too much. I could go on, and on, and on…

It’s a long album, sixteen songs in total, 72 minutes, maybe not too long on the dancefloor, which is the obvious focus for Ladytron on Paradises. But for the fans of the band’s much more sophisticated past glories, Paradises is perhaps a little too easy to listen too.

Simon Coffey

Paradises is out now via Nettwerk: LISTEN HERE

 

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