Retro-Moderne
Slammin, 2019
8/10
A Canadian songstress who has been active since the late ‘80s, Lily Frost has amassed an impressive arsenal of 14 LPs, with the most recent and aptly titled Retro-Moderne certainly being at the top of that list.
“Wild Is The Wind” starts the listen with a cautious atmosphere as Frost’s versatile pipes and restrained guitars create a mysterious opening, and “Lay Low” follows with hypnotic rhythm in the club friendly display tuneful dynamics.
In the middle, “Cruel World (Nickel & Dime)” moves with a playful approach that’s got plenty of pop friendly sensibilities and dub-step ideas that you could dance to, while “Rainbow Glasses” continues the upbeat appeal with dreamy melodies that swirl with a strong presence. “Dud” one of the record’s best, then recruits a stylish execution of girl group nostalgia that brings us back to the ‘60s.
Close to the end, her cover of “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” simmers slowly and with plenty of emotion, and “It’s The Love” exits the listen amid a cinematic quality that’s aglow with twinkling, pretty musicianship that resonates long after the music stops.
An artist who has seen widespread placement in popular television shows, Frost writes the complete album, with Retro-Moderne, where each track flows into another and brings a creative vision of elegant and adventurousness that is highlighted superbly by the production skills of Gus Van Go.
Travels well with: Jill Barber- Metaphora; Mindy Gledhill- Anchor