Justice - Audio, Video, Disco
Leather-clad, Parisian duo Justice (Gaspard Auge and Xavier de Rosnay) are back with their second studio release "Audio, Video, Disco" After being nominated for a Grammy with the highly anticipated 'Cross' the bar was set extremely high for the electronic duo, but are they still bringing the funk?
Justice's sound has always been, well - Justice. They're pioneers in that respect, creating a unique and sculpted soundscape that is instantly recognisable amongst the heavily saturated genre that is electronica. After the success of their first release, it seems it would be a risk to change a formula that for the most part has been the catalyst to their success. In this instance, it has most definitely paid off.
The fusion of rock and electronic elements blend together in unison beautifully and is surprisingly refreshing to listen to. The bass is prominent, the melodies are foot-tapping masterpieces and as a new twist, it's all topped off with more rock inspired hooks you can shake an angry Frenchman's stick at. Or something like that. The longevity of the record however is questionable, as it could be debated that the novelty will perhaps wear off within the first few listens.
When it comes to defining the styles utilised throughout the album, think Freddie Mercury and Brian May if they had discovered a set of decks before a microphone and guitar. That's the first impression you are left with and one that resonates with you, when listening through this truly gargantuan catalogue of nostalgic riffs, sub-sonic bass lines and harmonious vocals.
As a prerequisite, it should be mentioned that there seems to be three stages taking place, whilst listening to any truly great electronica album. First, like some kind of Electro-loving, pill-popping parasitic zombie, comes the obligatory shoulder bobbing. Next and through no fault of your own, the sudden desire to clutch a glow stick between your palms and wave it around like a mentalist. Finally, you will find yourself lost in an endorphin-fuelled daze, heading out onto the nearest beer soaked dance floor, fist to the ceiling, dancing like some kind of maniacal fool. All in the name of music. For all you electro-loving aficionado's, this record enables all three.
The album opens up circa 1985, with a track that wouldn't feel so out of place on a Duran Duran vinyl, only to kick off into the archetypal industrial synth we've come to expect with Justice.
This effortlessly leads into the somewhat passe, yet anthemic 'Civilization' The French duo have seamlessly created what can only be described as the bastard child of Daft Punk and Twisted Sister and in the process, bizarrely, they've actually left you craving more.
Other Standout tracks include the Imogen Heap inspired 'Ohio' with layer, upon layer of rich vocals mixed fluently into classic synth lines and seventies style bass pops. The finished product results in a nauseatingly alluring mix of funky style throwback and modern electronic ecstasy.
There are no shortages of monumental riffs on this record, fused with quite-often painful Wham-esque passages and yep you guessed it, guitar inspired solos. No, I'm sorry to inform you, it's not some kind of sick, soul-destroying joke. Solos are back with a vengeance. At least in 8-bit format they are. Something which should have perhaps been left behind in a chemically induced stupor, amongst a midst of glitter, make-up and 'Choose Life' t-shirts, made famous throughout the 1980's.
This is evident on the truly infectious 'Newlands' and is a theme that carries itself throughout the album. By the way - was anyone else aware Eddie Van Halen had started creating Electro? Me neither, but you wouldn't doubt it after listening to this track. Whether it was a knock to the head, too much espresso, or a sudden burst of nostalgic musical creativity that birthed this hybrid of genres, this record is definitely worth a spin.
It must be noted that there seems to be a very distinctive and polarizing element to this album. Is that a bad thing? Maybe. Some fans will love it; some will be left wondering why the 80's have thrown up over a perfectly good electro record. Bien fait, Justice.