Ladytron – Gravity the Seducer review

Ladytron have always been an elusive group, successfully releasing quality yet ostensibly unheard albums for years and with Gravity the Seducer, their fifth full-length, they make no exception.  Noticeably lighter than previous releases, this is by far their dreamiest recording to date.

This album sets itself apart from its predecessors starting with the very first track off the very first song. With the opening notes of “White Elephant”, there’s a more psychedelic and quasi orchestral feeling, which suits the group well and continues throughout.  The music here could possibly be described as dance music for the dance-less. There are no songs that really grab you upon first listen, but that’s expected since this album is less about hits and more about emotions. While it takes a few listens for the songs to properly digest, the wait is well worth it.

The wonderful vocal harmonies that were intertwined on previous albums are back, and at times seem to evoke fellow British chanteuse Sarah Nixey. Both styles have a way of singing as if they’re talking, rendered by mumbling low and sometimes unintelligible verses under their beautiful breath.  Like its predecessors, there is a distinct retro feel to this album, almost as if they were able to channel a certain forgotten feeling from anteceding groups like Roxy Music; therefore, it’s no surprise that Ladytron takes its name from one of their songs.

Though it’s hard to pick a preferred track from the rest, my personal favorite has to be “Attitude Bliss”, which emulates the exact feeling described. The drums seem eerily reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails’ “Down In It”, and when combined with the almost too beautiful background, the juxtaposition is remarkably satisfying.

While Gravity the Seducer won’t do much to win new fans over, it’s among the best the band has ever done.  This is an album that has to be allowed to run its course a few times before it really starts to grow on you, which it surely will.  A Dream Pop album from an Electropop outfit, Gravity the Seducer is very seductive indeed.