Album: The Raveonettes - 'In And Out Of Control'

Natalie Woodcock

08/10/09

The Danish rock duo are back

If you like Nordic music that has been inspired by The Velvet Underground, The Beach Boys and The Jesus And Mary Chain then you have come to the right place!

Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo are known for playing good old fashioned pop music and that is exactly what we seem to be getting again. Thankfully they have stuck to their original influences rather than giving into more 'fashionable' electro trends, what we have here is full on rock'n'roll. That said, the follow-up to the magnificent Lust Lust Lust, In and Out of Control has a lot to live up to.

With In And Out Of Control we are greeted by dreamy melodies, harmonies and guitar solos - but don't be fooled - this is actually very dark pop. It may have a sunny sound but pay attention to tracks like Boys Who Rape (Should Be Destroyed) and you might feel a bit chillier... In fact if you looked at the album's tracks' titles without knowing the band, you would probably be expecting teenage angst filled tripe. Well come on - Oh, I Buried You Today, Suicide and Breaking Into Cars aren't exactly titles you would expect from a 'grown-up' band. But we can assure you that In And Out Of Control is a sophisticated listen.

As we have come to expect from The Raveonettes there is a lot of depth of sound, with the use of echos, 1960's style guitars and girl band style vocals. Even though we aren't hearing much new, this time there is a new energy and sense of fun that is exactly what music seems to be missing at the moment. There is a great mix of mischevious and dark serious sounds.

Even if you think The Raveonettes had their moment six years ago, we urge you to give In And Out Of Control a chance, you will be pleasantly surprised. If this is your first taste of dark Nordic pop then enjoy.