In a break from listening to 90s bangers, this afternoon's blast is 'Embrace' by Marius Lauber, better known as Roosevelt. You probably aren't aware of him, but if you love pristine synth-pop with a helping of Euro-dance on the side, you should give him a go.
I went to see him in Manchester and wanted to remind myself how good this album is. The last gig of his I caught was one of the best live shows I'd seen, not because of the stage setting/pyros/lasers, etc., but because the crowd thoroughly embraced him (no pun intended), singing every word and dancing away. The fact that I had a good few pints of high-quality IPA has no impact on my recollection, honest!
Although this record is brand new, it has a certain retro vibe. It dips a toe into the synthwave genre, so if you like bands like The Midnight, Timecop 1983 and others of their ilk, you might find something here to enjoy (think 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd).
Also, if you like Daft Punk's work, there's a hint of that sound here, too. However, Roosevelt's songs are usually more traditional verse-chorus-verse than the fabulous French duo's big hook and massive chorus.
If there is a criticism of Lauber's work, it can sound the same, but if, like me, you love one song, it means you are almost guaranteed to love them all.
As if in response to this, the record includes his first ballad in 'Lake Shore', which adds a little texture to the LP. I can take or leave this track; Roosevelt has always been about danceable pop songs heavy on the synth side.
The production on the record is fabulous. It rewards good equipment and is one of those records where you can say, 'I know where the money was spent' as it blasts out. I'd love to hear this on a really high-end system.
If you fancy a copy, it is available for about £25 from your favourite independent record store and for £30 from HMV.
Tracks To Try: 'Ordinary Love', 'Luna', 'Realise', 'Fall Right In', 'Forevermore', 'Alive'.
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