La Roux : 'I'm Not Your Toy'
Released: 28th September 2009
Label: Polydor
It’s fair to say that La Roux divide opinion. Heralded at the start of the year by some, myself included, as a fascinating and fresh act to follow, their subsequent successes seem to have gained them as many detractors as creditors and it’s easy to see why. Lead singer Elly Jackson – I remain staunch in my belief that we’re talking about a band and not a solo artist here – is almost too cool for her own good and has a vocal that can both irk and inspire, but despite their critical acclaim I think it’s fair to say that the band still have to silence many doubters in this country. Whether the pair can evolve further from their current state and become a genuinely cherished act will depend on whether they can continue to write catchy, synth-lead pop songs that are equally as comfortable attracting people to a dance floor as they are leading a drive-time radio programme, and charged with that continuation is ‘I’m Not Your Toy’, their third single of the year and fourth overall.
The song begins as one, no warm up or introductory pleasantries, as Jackson’s almost-falsetto vocal retains the identity established in precluding singles. Lyrically it’s another song about boys and girls and what not - it’s fair to say the lyrical content isn’t what’s sent to impress the listener here - and that does allow for the beautiful synth-melody to break into another strong chorus. It’s computer-pop personified and the work of unheralded Ben Langmaid cannot be understated for he appears a master of his craft, a conveyor belt of synth hooks each distinguished from that which came before it through subtle shifts of time and key. Without the balance of variety and identity provided by Langmaid, I’m sure La Roux’s time in the sun would be severely undercut and that metaphor can be applied straight on to this song, one whose vocal hasn’t the sharpness of ‘In for the Kill’, whilst the chorus doesn’t quite match that of ‘Bulletproof’, leaving a song that fills a gap in the La Roux schedule without further augmenting their status as one of this country’s fledgling musical diamonds. Structurally this song is lacking, it sounds almost like one prolonged chorus at times and leaves you wondering if there’s some bit you’ve missed and in comparison to the excellent ‘Bulletproof’ I’m afraid to say it’s a shade disappointing. That said, this band have quickly established themselves and have the weight of material and reputation behind them that can see them overcome slight moments of concern to strengthen their position and move onwards towards better things.
Whilst ‘I’m Not Your Toy’ is probably La Roux’s weakest single to date, it shows enough promise to substantiate my belief that, love them or hate them, La Roux will be around for a good while yet.
6/10
Words: Benjamin Coley
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