Love Letters by Metronomy album review

What do you do after you've released a critically acclaimed album? Follow it up with something that's similar but also kind of different of course! That's exactly what indie pop band Metronomy have done on album number four "Love Letters". Critics hailed their previous album "The English Riviera" as a rather masterful album so it's no surprise that the band have gone for a familiar sound on this record. Expect plenty of intricate melodies with an electro tinged flavour then, and don't forget those infectious backing vocals too.

Towards the beginning we get a few tracks that are classic Metronomy in terms of sound. "I'm Aquarius" features lingering synths, contagious backing vocals and lyrics that intelligently reference astrology. Title track "Love Letters" also impresses with it's bright and chirpy keyboards. Not only that, but the main hook has been sung really energetically by a group of female vocalists. It sounds fantastic. "Monstrous" is a bit of weird one because of it's retro synths that sound slightly harpsichord like, however, it's still hook-y enough to satisfy even the most closed minded music listener.

The familiar formula also manages to get shaken up a bit through out the album. Opener "The Upsetter" has a melancholic lovesick vibe that you'll surely be able to relate to. Metronomy have done songs like this before but never anything as intimate as this. Instrumental "Boy Racers" is ridiculously atmospheric and it's bass line will grab your attention like a giant fish walking on land. As far as impressively named songs go "The Most Immaculate Haircut" has to be up there and it's dark undertones should be too. Lyrically this song seems to be about jealousy/old lovers and the water splashing interludes only add to the intrigue and ambiguity.

All in all, Metronomy have managed to charm us with their delightful melodies whilst also tugging on our heart strings with some more personal and emotive numbers. Like I said earlier, they've gone with that similar sound but they've also managed to mix it up a bit too. Overall this is a cleverly crafted album and it's one that you should certainly purchase.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

BEST SONGS: I'M AQUARIUS, LOVE LETTERS, THE MOST IMMACULATE HAIRCUT.