More on: Ladytron

Label: So Sweet
Release Date: 29/10/07
Rating:

Ladytron's latest single, a sample of remixes from their just-released album 'Destroy Everything You Touch', works as either a good introduction to those unaware of Ladytron's sinister brand of synth-pop, or as its intended purpose, that is, an appetizer for the new album. This is also part of its drawback – it is just a morsel of what Ladytron is capable of. There is nothing as excitingly dynamic here as on 2005's 'The Witching Hour', despite the depth of quality remaining strong on the three selected mixes.

The radio-edit of the title track is lush with the expected swathe of sound-details Ladytron are famous for, yet manages to feel a little distant, without a soul, perhaps. This is followed by the standout track, 'International Dateline', in which Simian stir the song into a witch's cauldron of bubbling ghostly juices, frothing over into an irresistible magic mass. Finally, the Hot Chip remix of the title track concludes the single with a substantial rendition that exudes the diabolic, I'm-being-followed-and-it's-dark quality that goes hand in hand with Ladytron's success – actually, it's more enjoyable than the radio-edit.

Credit goes to the remixers – they have managed to make this single a vital, atmospheric experience that was in danger of being merely good but passé.

Daniel Good

Ladytron Official Site