Ladytron
Gravity the Seducer - NETTWERK
FILTER Grade: 76%

Brian Eno once—apparently—said that Ladytron were the “best of English pop music.” I reckon even the members of this dependable and sturdy electro band would disagree, although it is one hell of a compliment. They’ve certainly stuck around for longer than anyone could have imagined and after one listen to Gravity the Seducer, it’s clear that Ladytron’s loyal fan base and worldwide acclaim are well deserved. Well, mostly. The Ladytron aesthetic, in large doses, can be pretty oppressive. The kickoff singles, “Ace Of Hz” (released in March on Ladytron’s bloated Best of 00–10) and “White Elephant,” while definitely more ornate (especially the latter), are still drowned in that oh-so-familiar Ladytron formula. But despite PR claims of a band more grandiose and even “baroque,” it still sounds like Ladytron are going through the motions, which still means it’s a good, smart and sophisticated record. Having said that, it seems the band and/or the formula are due for a shakeup.