专辑简介

The first of several British artists exposed in today’s feature is Vanilla Swingers, a duo comprised of Miles Jackson and Anne Gilpin. Though their name indicates a production of some overly flamboyant form of funk, they have been generating quite a bit of buzz in the UK for their consumingly seductive interpretation of electronic pop. The duo utilizes conventional elements of pop in their usage of guitars, bass, and percussion, but the inspirational electronic element arrives in their extremely impressive grasp of appropriately atmospheric melodic additions. With serene synth pads and lulling sound clips often supplementing infectious melodies driven by progressions highlighted by alternating guitars and keys, the result is intricately captivating. And not to forget, when you have two musicians as lyrically astute as Jackson and Gilpin, there is more to enjoy than hooks led by commendable melodic scenarios. In fact, as their eponymous debut demonstrates in its thematical concept, they maintain a sense of virtuous ambition while simultaneously remaining accessibly enthralling.

The conceptually rewarding Vanilla Swingers explores an interesting plot that highlights two lovers blockaded by the obstacles of time, quite literally. Concisely, they meet each other, run away together, travel back in time to 1985, lose each other, and meet up once again in the year 2015. Appropriately, the vocal duties are split between the two members as they grow increasingly familiar with their roles. “Well I’d been here forever, sixteen years that felt like more,” Gilpin sings angelically on the opening “The Town”, a stylish number led by an acoustic guitar and complementary keys. “And you’d think it was clever not to venture far from your front door around here.” Her voice is highly comparable to Black Box Recorder’s Sarah Nixey, with the accompanying music also being striking in a similar vein. The album itself is like a storybook, with each line and song featuring moments of literary notability that should keep the listener enthralled throughout its entire duration. “You asked me what’s the year and smiled the saddest smile I’d ever seen,” Jackson croons during “Goodbye Lennon”, my personal favorite on the album. Apart from the fantastically thorough use of keys, the track demonstrates the duo’s vocal, melodic, and literary ability all in one, being ardently empowering in the genuine romanticism displayed by both Jackson and Gilpin. With undeniable chemistry and impressive literary chops leading the way, Vanilla Swingers is a duo that should undoubtedly find a significant following. When their debut drops on August 11th, I unreservedly recommend the purchase.