"Lux Prima" plays at both Karen O and Danger Mouse's strengths, pulling together an album worth returning to. A surprising collaboration that I hope to see more of in the future.
I'm going to cut to the chase. The newly formed duo of Yeah Yeah Yeah's front woman Karen O and versatile producer Danger Mouse should be an all-star affair, right? Yes, it is. Lux Prima, this new collection of 9 tracks, has some bursts of surprises here and there. Overall, it's an expected blend of 60's pop from Danger Mouse with that bite we've come to expect from Karen O's vocals. The blend is expected, yes, but it's delivered solidly well and is rich at times in the production (especially on the album's nine-minute opener). This should come to as no surprise, but Lux Prima plays at both Karen O and Brian Burton's strengths, pulling together an album worth returning to.
These "bursts of surprises" quickly start with the nine-minute opener I mentioned earlier. The title track is a gorgeously lush epic that has a memorable progression and a satisfying amount of twists and turns. The hazy synths and vocals is almost heaven-like, lifting the song higher and higher towards clouds and space itself. The chorus is very mesmerizing and will be your next favorite from any upcoming spy action drama blockbuster. If there's any song to check out on this album, it would be this one. "Ministry" has that same swaying feeling in its chorus. Another favorite, "Turn the Light," is the duo's take on Golden Hour. Not to say that it's a rip-off of Kacey Musgraves' dazzling album or anything, but the two definitely listened to it a lot in the studio. Karen's vocals have always had a twang, but she's giving it an extra oomph, along with the pristine guitar and backing vocals.
"Woman" has the bite and attitude that we've been waiting for from Karen. Its a fast paced female anthem that's right up Danger Mouse's wheelhouse. "Redeemer" surely evokes the fiery 60's guitar pop the most, while "Drown" really slows things down with some melancholy blues in its lyrics ("please let me drown"). "Leopard's Tongue" is another highlight, with a steadily foot stomping groove and a stellar chorus. "Reveries" is a very pretty lo-fi acoustic ballad that reminds me of her Crush Songs album or "The Moon Song" from Her. The album's closer, "Nox Luxima," is reminiscent of the album's opener with its cinematic arrangements and longer length. It's actually more unique and detailed with some added experimentation in the instruments and vocals.
All in all, Lux Prima is a collaboration that is a nice surprise and is one of Burton's most cohesive releases in recent years. I recommend it of course for fans of Karen O and Danger Mouse, but for fans of beautifully arranged compositions, pleasant hooks, and memorable songs. I also think it'll be one album that critics will be paying attention to for year-end lists and possibly even some awards coming down the road. It's a good one, guys.
My Rating: 7 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Lux Prima," "Turn the Light," "Leopard's Tongue," "Woman"
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