Kleerup - Kleerup (EMI)
4/5
By: Tom Hocknell
It seems proper stars have invaded Electro-pop, through Lady Gaga's unlimited access to the props cupboard, La Roux's Hairstyle and Little Boots', well, boots. So, what's happened to the backroom studio boffins once owning the genre?
Well, Andres Kleerup, joining the Swedish musical resurgence, emerges from behind the polystyrene cups and takeaways. Fortunately, despite his name on the front cover, the album's subtitle is 'Now That's What I Call People Working With Kleerup'. Sharing an address book with Royksopp, he's roped in Lykke Li, her voice cracked within an inch of comprehension, on 'Until We Bleed's masterful stroke of electronic blues, and of course Robyn, with whom he had the gigantic number one 'With Every Heartbeat'.
However, the album admirably avoids accusations of one hit wonder, with its sweeping euro-electro. Neneh Cherry's sister, Titiyo features on 'Every Heartbeat's closest cousin, the melodic single, 'Longing for Lullabies', although the now instrumental 'Thank You For Nothing' indicates the occasionally reluctant participant.
Kleerup follows the electro-perfection of best track 'History' (with fellow Swede Linda Sunblad), by taking the mic himself, on guitar-splashed 'On My Own Again'. This works better than the ensuing ambient noodlings, which boffins resort to when the songs aren't strong enough, although an unlikely instrumental paean to West London's Trellick Tower, sounds like Kraftwerk if they gave up cycling. With all his ever-present icy synth washes, bleeps and electronic flourishes, Kleerup might be a one trick pony, but better that than simply pony.
Artists in this article: Kleerup
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