Will the 80s ever go out of fashion? For the last few years it’s been the go-to era for musical inspiration, on everything from the Drive soundtrack to mainstream synth pop. With Juveniles, the 80s are less inspirational and more an integral part of their sound – as with other similar French electro acts like Daft Punk or Justice.
In fact, the duo’s debut album is something of a collage of
80s styles – from new wave to new romantics.
There’s hints of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and New Order in the instrumentation;
Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Human League in the synth lines (All I Ever Wanted Was Your Love and Through The Night especially); and a
vocal reminiscent of Morrissey. There
are plenty of contemporary comparisons as well, with Juveniles being easily
filed next to the likes of Hot Chip, Yeasayer, Gypsy & The Cat, Metronomy
and The Black Kids, with a touch of Two Door Cinema Club too.
Yet, whilst the influences might be especially obvious, what
the band might lack in originality they more than make up for in polished
production, catchy but downbeat melodies, and an overarching sense of effortless
cool – they are French after all. ‘Juveniles’
is mostly an upbeat, indie dance album, youthful positivity brimming from the
buoyantly shuffling Strangers with
its widescreen chorus, the funk disco of Fantasy,
and the fizzing pop of Void (In &
Out Of The), with ecstatic guitar solos throughout. That said, much of the album is heavy with nostalgia: the
squelching bass of We Are Young, the
moody beach-pop of Summer Nights, the
wistful Washed Away, and the woozy Elisa.
This is far from simply a nostalgia-trip though. Juveniles have crafted an electrifying debut
that’s as futuristic as it is retro, proving they’re no mere 80s novelty act.
4/5
Gizzle's Choice:
* Strangers
* Fantasy
* Through The Night
Listen: Juveniles is available now.
