speed of dark

If you've been seeing that four-legged tennis girl all over the place and thinking it is the sign of just another hot-air media blitz about some blah band, think again because this time the attention is well-deserved. This odd picture is the cover art for Blonde Redhead's new release 23, which carries on and refines the direction they began to take with Misery Is a Butterfly (2004). That album completed their move away from their discordant Sonic Youth-inspired roots and has been their best-seller to date. My bet is that this one will surpass that. Vocalist Kazu Makino's lucky number is 23, and 23 looks like a lucky number for Blonde Redhead as well.

I have reviewed two albums of synth-rich bands with high-pitched female vocalists in the past six months: Mew and Husky Rescue, and I cannot deny that I like this sound but I admit I have to overcome some amount of sugar overload with both of them. Not so with BR because their style, although drenched in synthesizer and electronics, it also includes plenty of rock guitar and percussion elements although not as much as Earlimart, another favorite.

I like this album especially because the band sticks confidently to one style, which gives it a solid, cohesive feel. There is no sudden change in tone or rhythm to jar the listener's experience. I don't find myself skipping a weird, arty track or a contrived hip-hop track or some other crap that breaks the mood. The danger in such consistency is that all the tracks might end up sounding too much alike, but BR counter that by balancing the songwriting and vocals between Kazu and Amadeo Pace, much like vollying the ball in a tennis match. Is that maybe how the tennis girl came to be on the cover?

The overall mood is simultaneously soothing and haunting yet surging with energy. The lyrics convey sadness but not hopelessness. The first three songs--"23," "Dr. Strange Love," and "The Dress"--make a smoothly flowing suite belonging to Kazu, repeating a theme of loss. Then Amadeo takes over with "SW" and "Spring and By Summer Fall," the stronger beat reflecting hope and resolve.

"Silently" returns the focus to Kazu, but at this point she too is more upbeat and cheerful, the lyrics speak of forgiveness for past wrongs: I realize now you're not to be blamed at all/You didn't choose your name my love/You die a little in my arm/I realize now you're not to be blamed at all.

The album moves smoothly between the perspectives of the two vocalists while keeping within its overall theme. "Publisher" brings both sides, as well as Kazu and Pace's vocals, together in a brilliant, unifying piece. Then comes "Heroine," which begins with an eerie blend of Kazu's voice and synthesizer. Even my husband, a hard-core, old-school folkie, was impressed with it.

Kazu's vocals on the "Top Ranking" remind me of Nina Persson of the Cardigans, another band with a strong female lead and a long-time favorite of mine. The album ends with the sweet and hopeful "My Impure Hair": Whatever lost I won't forget about you. I'm not doubting the title, but I could swear that she sings "heart" instead of "hair."

Although I fell in love with "Heroine" first, the more I listen, the harder it is for me to distinguish one song as a favorite. 23 is beginning to turn itself into one long, luscious song in my head. I'm putting this one among my top albums for 2007.

And my recommendation is, if you like one song from this album, you will like it all. Don't hestitate to buy it. Take advantage of the iTunes download of this album that includes "Signs Along the Path" and "Harry and I," the B-sides of the single release of "Silently."

Heroine from 23 (2007)
Pink Love from Misery Is A Butterfly (2004)
Hated Because Of Great Qualities from Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons (1997)

Blonde Redhead has a sold-out show at the Glass House in Pomona next Wednesday, and will be appearing at the coachella on Saturday, April 28. They will then play dates in the U.S. and Canada before heading to the U.K. and Europe. Check their MySpace page for the schedule so you can purchase your ticket early--I predict more sold-out shows.

Official sites: myspace | website
Band biography and lyrics: alwaysontherun.net | fan website | fan myspace
Buy: itunes, 4ad music