Hercules and Love Affair release Blue Songs

By Walker Kampf-Lassin

Top Track: “Step Up” Bottom Track: “Boy Blue”

When a partly androgynous group creates their own brand of disco, we expect interesting results. Hercules & Love Affair certainly delivers on that end, but the novelty eventually gives way to the quality of the songwriting. While the group maintained the sexy production value that was so apparent on their self-titled debut, Hercules & Love Affair’s Blue Songs loses the cohesive songwriting that usually complements their production.

From the start, Antony Hegarty’s haunting and sensual voice that shone so brightly on 2008’s self-titled album is noticeably absent. The vocal efforts on Blue Songs maintain the house vibe, but they often fall flat. None of the guest vocalists react to the music quite as powerfully as Hegarty.

The distinctive and irresistible electronic production makes for a nostalgic listen. Group leader Andy Butler has not lost his touch—evident on tracks like “Step Up,” which sports expressive vocals from Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke.

Blue Songs features a sound unlike any you’ll hear this year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to the standard set by the beautiful marriage of vocals and production on Hercules & Love Affair’s debut.