Agoria

Dance music has undoubtedly been on a journey over the last few years. With the emergence of the guitar led bands of the last few years, dance has disappeared from the radar of many music listeners. This record attempts to draw on a range of dance influences to bring something new to our ears. Indeed, there are many identifiable influences but, in general, it feels like they have tried to call on too many.

The record begins with a track that sounds like your younger brother has got hold of an oscillator at school and is intent on making slightly irritating bleeps in your general direction, yet the melody becomes strangely addictive and the addition of Karl Hyde esque lyrics make it an interesting opener. The second track, Code 1026, continues with the Underworld feel, beginning with a simple beat and developing into an anthem with each additional layering of instruments, and is probably the best track on the album. Undoubtedly, this would be a track for the dance floor. Track three also has that earthy Underworld feel, an easy beat with simple piano, and lyrics from a girl who sounds so like Neenah Cherry that I would be surprised if it isn't her. However, I am left feeling that the track needs to go somewhere and the fact that it doesn't does disappoint a little.

In track four, Agoria bring in a touch of Daft Punk robotics to compliment the much mentioned Underworld feel and this is something that runs throughout the rest of the album, but a little in fits and start.
This album is eclectic to say the least, a mixture of potential anthems and some tracks that seem to drift. For example, both tracks 5 and 6 seem a little lost and unsure of what they are doing, although the vocals are interesting in a Royksopp kind of way.

The interesting lyric phenomenon continues with an ode to Bryan Ferry in track 7, but unfortunately so does the feeling of wanting more. It feels like a good piece of music for an advertisement, but not something you would put on for pure listening pleasure. The same can also be said for track 8, which again has an interesting lyric but little substance.

Track 9 takes us back to the better moments of the record, with a melodic tune that reminds me of summer and playing the Beloved. It also has slight Moroccan undertones which makes it stand out from the previous tracks. Track 10 is pleasant, whilst not earth shattering and track 11 takes us back to Royksopp, blended with a soupcon of Air.

Of course, originality is a very subjective concept, as developing genuinely new material becomes harder by the day, but this record just feels like it is trying to call on too much. For me, Agoria should focus on what I believe they do best, creating anthems that would make them a great live act. The tracks which are heavy on the lyrics just leave me a little cold.