Review Summary: A dencent follow up from ex moloko volcaist RóisÃn Murphy. The contrasting tracks, some fast and some slow wont appeal to everyone, but it's a guarentee that you will like at least 4 tracks from either side of the spectrum. Fans of Moloko this is a mus
Ex Moloko vocalist, RóisÃ*n Murphy’s second offering Overpowered is an album which demonstrates the abilities of one of the worlds most season performers. Following the success of her first album Ruby Blue, the sequel rather than focussing on highly percussive melodies, uses an array of synthesised melodies and places emphasis on Murphy’s hauntingly cute vocals and aptitude as a seasoned performer. There are a few stand out tracks such as Cry Baby, Body Language, Tell Everybody, Let Me Know and Checkin’ On Me but as a whole, the album looks like it could be burning up the floors until her next offering.
The leading single from the album Overpowered is catchy with its highly synthesised accompaniment and Murphy’s large vocal range. Although in my opinion, probably not the best track to lead the album off, it does its job and after a couple of listens and you’ll find yourself humming the words out load. Comparatively, the lead track is a bit slower than the rest of the album, but still with enough carry to make you want to have a bit of a dance. Compared to most of the other Dance music hitting the scene of late, to have a song with structure behind it, proves to be a nice change.
You Know Me Better sees a bit of a return to the days of Moloko. Easily danceable, enjoyable to sing along too, and just as interesting to sit and listen to. This song is far more percussively driven than Overpowered yet still a far hit from the pounding melody of Ramalama (Bang Bang) from Ruby Blue. The lyrics seem to have the Moloko flare with the contrasting slow and fast of Murphy’s lyrical delivery. One can’t help but think that the ‘release’ of Murphy from Moloko has done wonders for her abilities as a singer/songwriter. This track is quite simple Murphy showing off that she still has the power and ability to experiment with different styles and pull it off.
The next two tracks Checkin’ On Me and Let Me Know are two of my personal favourites. Both are up tempo and quite easily two of the most enjoyable. Checkin’ On Me has a simple texture, easy for the listener to swallow and dance too as well as lyrics that make the song enjoyable to sit and listen too. Let Me Know starts slow with Murphy demonstrating she can sing something of a ballad before the synthesised melody kicks in and the tempo picks up. This track, technically the lead off of the album after a record company screw up, is one of the most accessible from the album. The keys repetitive as they are keep the beat strong and the want to move stronger. Murphy’s vocals range from intentionally frail to strong as she sings the words. The verses, with an atmosphere of defencelessness surrounding them comparatively with the chorus with Murphy’s potent vocals coming through make for one of the best tracks on the album.
Tracks like Movie Star, Cry Baby and Body Language are again all highly synthesised tracks, with Murphy’s crushingly powerful vocals over the top making them highly enjoyable. Tracks like Primitive, Footprints and Dear Miami although comparatively slower are still commanding tracks. Rather than show off Murphy’s talents as a floor filler they show that she can still command a (somewhat up tempo) ballad. Tell Everybody and the technical finish of the album Scarlet Ribbons are both works of brilliance in themselves. Tell Everybody is another ballad but with the dance drive behind it whilst Scarlet Ribbons is much slower and heartfelt, a perfect finish to an excellent album. The bonus tracks Body Language and Parallel Lives are equally as brilliant, and show off that sometimes removing yourself from one act and perusing a career on your own can pay off.
To wrap up a lengthy review, some tracks on this album are more enjoyable than others, but on the whole, there isn’t one track that someone won’t enjoy. For the fans of Murphy’s ability to command the floor, the up tempo tracks will appeal and for those who love the haunting sound of Murphy’s voice, the tracks with a slower beat will command attention. For lovers of one, the other mightn’t appeal, but personally, I think this album is a pretty decent follow up from the successful and groundbreaking Ruby Blue.
