razorlight razorlight Music
by razorlight

About this Music

UK's own Johnny Borrell & band return with a highly anticipated sophomore release. Razorlight quickly rose to fame in the London music during the summer of 2004. their debut album "Up all Night" entered the UK album chart at #1. 12 months and one million albums later, Razorlight has received numerous awards and nominations overseas including Q magazine and NME. Produced by legendary Beatles, Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd and Roxy Music producer, Chris Thomas - Razorlight's highly anticipated sophomore release is already the recipient of amazing reviews and press across the pond.

Razorlight's eponymous sophomore release doesn't so much reinvent the freewheeling sensibilities of their '04 debut Up All Night as hone them into a more willfully focused pop whole, a mindset that immediately evinces itself on the inviting, Boomtown Rats-meets-INXS-flavored opener "In the Morning." The growing confidence of songwriter/vocalist Johnny Borrell is almost palpable as he expands the band's horizons to include the '50s-rooted influences of "Before I Fall to Pieces" and the Dion-esque "Who Needs Love," the Chrissie Hynde-bred tension of "Hold On" and the sonic fervor of early U2 on "Pop Song 2006." Gratifyingly, that tack has also pushed the rest of the band - especially guitarist Bjorn Agren - towards honing their chops in service of a tighter, yet still playful sound. It may be too easy for seasoned ears to deconstruct the influences here, but by the time this taut, economic collection closes on the high note of the melodramatic "Los Angeles Waltz" even the cynics should be won over. --Jerry McCulley