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Review: Jack Foley
THE dance scene has been crying out for a female vocalist like
Juliet for ages - someone who is prepared to bring something different
to the mix, capable of appealing to the mainstream crowd as well
as those in search of something better than the signature sounds
of Ibiza.
Random Order delivers the goods in spades, marking a
major personal triumph for the 25-year-old Philadelphia native
(full name, Juliet Richardson), whose first foray into the music
scene was as a member of 1 Plus 1 - a chart-pop band that enjoyed
only limited UK success.
Here, however, she surrounds herself with a far better soundscape,
thanks to the producing skills of Stuart Price – aka Jacques
Le Cont of Les Rythmes Digitales and Zoot Woman.
The result is an album dripping with electro-tinged dance anthems,
delivered in Juliet's distinctly sexual style and reverberting
with an energy that is lacking from most mainstream dance albums.
Former single, Avalon, is a classic example of what
to expect - emerging as a hauntingly hypnotic record that sets
Juliet’s dusky vocals over some moody, atmospheric beats.
It has become a favourite, apparently, with Pete Tong.
Current single, Ride The Pain, is a little more dangerous
and much more edgy, pumping up the energy levels and bringing
a grittier edge to Juliet's sensual purr.
The nu-wave Nu Taboo is an extremely scuzzed up effort
that ups the sexual element still further with more grinding beats
and breathy vocals, while Puppet tosses in some sharp
blasts of guitar that tip its hat to the rock scene, while demonstrating
Juliet's ability to remain diverse.
On The Dancefloor, meanwhile, breaks out into the sort
of rhythms that Price is renowned for in Les Rythmes Digitales
groove.
Fortunately, however, Juliet doesn't just keep things lively,
providing some damn fine chill out tracks for those who want the
complete dance experience.
Waiting is an extremely classy record, reminiscent of
Madonna at her sexiest in Music mode, that features some
impossibly sexy vocals. It is one of the undisputed highlights
and perfect for listening to at the end of a long night.
The enchanting New Shoes adds some Eastern flavouring
to some of the melodies, although Juliet's aggressive vocals come
as quite a surprise and threaten to disrupt the flow.
But the album comes back strong with the likes of the smooth
Would You Mind, which finds Juliet resorting to her usual
husky style, and Untied, a somewhat retro slice of 80s
infused electronica that still manages to retain a contemporary
edge.
Final track, Pot of Gold, completes the experience in
perfect fashion, mixing acoustic guitars with a breezy, almost
flippant beat.
Like its title suggests, it provides the pot of gold at the end
of a fantastic musical journey that marks Juliet out as a major
new player on the dance scene.
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