I bough this album on CD back in 2005 and found it less satisfying that its predecessor. Whereas "Black Cherry" sounded effortless and innovative, "Supernature" sounds contrived and overtly commercial.
Lead single "Ooh La La" sounds like seventies glam rock recorded on a Minimoog, but it somehow became a top 5 hit in the UK. Second track "Lovely 2 C U" fails as it is twee and pretentious. "Ride a White Horse" resurrects the TR-909 beats but Alison's vocal sounds like she stuffed cotton wool in her cheeks like Marlon Brando in The Godfather.
One of the highlights of the album is "You Never Know" which drops the four on the floor beats and features lush synth washes alongside amazing orchestral swells. "Let It Take You" is a downtempo plod that proves a good counterpoint to the much superior melodies of "Fly Me Away". As good as the next two tracks, "Slide In" and "Koko" are, the constant barrage of sawtooth waves is beginning to grate on me a little. There is some sonic variety on "Satin Chic" which is also the band's favourite on the album. The song is OK but it sounds a bit like a homage to Sparks.
There is another more ambient track in the form of "Time Out From the World" which provides welcome relief from the pounding beats. The single "Number 1" sounds a bit like a rehash of "Ooh La La", but it does improves on things. The album rounds out with the inconsequential "Beautiful" which continues the trend of seventies glam rock style rhythms and rasping sawtooth patches. This isn't a bad album and you couldn't wish for anything more electronic; but it sounds forced and formulaic in places. When it is good, this record is very good. When it is bad.....2.5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment