★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
Sure, we might have had to wait almost three whole years for a new project from pop/dance duo XELLE (aka JC Cassis and Rony Goffer), but following the releases of politically-charged "Red Flag" in 2013 and a reworked version of "Sweat" in 2014, fans were eager to hear what the sultry and hardworking ladies were planning for their next full length effort.
We didn't get a complete debut album, hopefully that is still somewhere on the horizon, but XELLE has just released their second extended play Darkroom, featuring three brand new tracks alongside the aforementioned infectious singles. With their trademark, straightforward pop sound in the spotlight, the talented duo present their fun, carefree and joyous style with music that is meant to both inspire and entertain.
Preceded by the voluptuous appreciating "Juicy", XELLE's second EP bares some similarities to their debut 2012 effort with Mimi Imfurst, however absent are the uplifting and emotional ballads, replaced with tracks referencing the search for the perfect one-night lover and the love for curvaceous women. While more, new, energetic tracks would have gone a long way, what the duo does bring to the table are festive and exciting future pop gems.
Produced by frequent collaborator Zach Adams, self-love anthem "Juicy" is a fun and enticing dance effort that glorifies the natural body of a women. The girls of XELLE embrace their sassy attitude and deliver commendable vocal performances over an infectious, slightly chaotic, dance beat. The EP's lead single is a departure for the fabulous duo. Instead of a song in vein of the serious and emotional "Invincible", XELLE presents a playful, carefree, radio-friendly bop.
XELLE seems to have momentarily given up on their search for Mr. Right, instead settling for a quick session in the sheets. On "Mr. Right Now", the girls shout to the world that they are living their life and making their own choices when it comes to men and sex. "Rush of electricity, when I see the way you're looking at me, floating in your fantasy, take me home tonight," the duo belt before the repetitive, dance beat driven chorus of female empowerment comes through.
"Sweat", originally a pop track featured on 2012s Queens, was reworked as a new single in 2014, replacing Mimi Imfurst's verse by having JC and Rony tackle it this time around. The catchy romper is still complete with sexual innuendos and top notch vocals from the girls who tackle the three-minute effort alone. It's nice to hear the flirty sophistication still intact years later, actually sounding better with a dominating female presence.
The best surprise on the newly released EP lies in the title track. "Darkroom" is mysterious, seductive and refreshing, putting XELLE's vocal performances at the forefront, while being supported by an edgy, 80s-like background beat that ties everything together nicely. "Reach out 'cause you know where to find me, take a shot in the dark, we can party, strong hands on the curves of my body," the girls sing on the unique effort, taking the duo into a territory not traveled before.
The EP closes out with "Red Flag", the politically-charged dance track originally released in 2013. The song serves as a political statement buried within infectious pop production, dedicated to the LGBT community in Russia struggling with the fight for equal human rights. The track is a meaningful piece of dance/pop, a slight departure from the sound of XELLE's beginning, and features strong vocals from two fearless and talented women.
Darkroom is an interesting project to officially review. Being a five-track effort is not satisfying enough for this die-hard fan, especially when two of the featured songs have been previously heard. With that, the new extended play does highlight XELLE's bright advantages. JC and Rony, along with their producers, have an uncanny ability to craft 80s-inspired pop hooks that know how to stay lodged within the mind of their devoted listeners. The new songs keep the duo on the right path for future potential radio exposure and thankfully focus attention on the incredible vocal abilities. However, while the EP is a unique and catchy release, the songs featured show that the girls may still be struggling with their overall sound as an established act. Political statements mixed in with drunken sex anthems prevents there from being a sense of cohesiveness when viewed as a whole.
Tracks to Hear: "Sweat", "Darkroom" and "Red Flag"
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