Ladytron, Gravity The Seducer
Nettwerk ~ September 13 2011

Recorded in seclusion in the countryside in Kent, England, Gravity The Seducer ushers in a new chapter in the history of Ladytron, the synthpop quartet that first rose out of the Liverpool scene in 1999.

Gravity The Seducer not only displays the vastness of a musical vocabulary of a band that still has plenty to say, but also the ingenuity of a group that knows how to recruit the sort of production help that brings out their best; in this case, co—producer Barny Barnicott returns to work with the band for the first time since their 2004 LP Witching Hour.

Our introduction to the new body of work begins with “White Elephant” - the official first single off of the album, despite a few song previews - and instantly the music wafts charmingly underneath vocals that sweep with an air of Motown authenticity. The pace of the song itself is straight out of the 1960s, while its uniquely British textures give it a sense of direction that is new and interesting.

And so it continues to flourish; “Mirage” and “White Gold” are captivating, offerings far beyond mere electropop. “Ace Of Hz”, released as a single back in May, thumps and drives while “Melting Ice” towers and menaces behind shimmering vocals.

Five albums in, Ladytron are proving that they still have a long career in front of them. Gravity The Seducer is a magnificent offering, one that will leave your ears hungry and your fingers fumbling to press repeat.

4.5/5