A Slow Grower
The fans' response to The Raveonettes' third album has been pretty mixed; the band have always used their own distinctive blend of fuzzpop and sultry surf sounds that both made them unique, but also made their material very similar, which is the greatest criticism of 'Lust Lust Lust'. Despite the title, the album's overriding tone is one of reflection and pensive melancholy, with the track, 'Lust' giving away wistful lashes of sorrow in its languid vocal harmonies, driven by a slow shuffling drum beat which as ever with this band, leaves the whole number feeling like the soundtrack to an eerie Western.
With The Raveonettes, it's the attention to detail that makes their sound so memorable: 'Dead Sound' is decorated by twinkling bell sounds that ring crystal clear across the mellow vocals, 'Expelled From Love' is a doomy procession of haunting vocals and destructive percussion, while 'Black Satin' fairs the worse for sporting some frequency jamming buzz that sounds rather too much like a dentist's drill.
'Lust Lust Lust' isn't the most instant album, it takes a few listens to into the warmth and familiarity of the LP, while at first you may have been trying too hard to "get" tracks like, 'Black Satin', you soon begin to treat it simply like a comfortable friend, rather than a potential work of genius. The guitarwork is as beautiful as ever, with the vocals floating over the top with usual aplomb, but many of the tracks certainly lack enough spark to be recommended in their own right. In some senses, 'Lust Lust Lust' feels more like a concept album, drifting between moods rather than painting individual scenarios and creating self-sufficient melodies, which most tracks are led by.
However from a monotony of spectral sounds and frothy fuzz, 'You Want The Candy' leaps out in full Jesus And Mary Chain mode, and this similarity reflects more than just the sugary title. It's a brief moment of truly upbeat vibes shimmering with poignant pop sentiments. Some of the strongest tracks are those at the beginning of the album, 'Aly, Walk With Me' has an unnerving tension that really grips the listener and despite its relatively long
While The Raveonettes still have a creative edge and unique style, the sparse instrumentation and lack of melody on this album simply gives the casual listener too much time to daydream. However if you give it a few spins, you're certain to reap the benefits and remember what's so great about this duo.