Secondhand Rapture is the first full-length release from the hot new duo of commercial glitch pop Lizzy Plapinger and Max Hershenew, AKA Ms Mr. There has been much anticipation circling around this debut LP, and indeed around the band itself, with the pair finding themselves originally shrouded in all forms of succulent, attention grabbing mystery, to now being heralded as the first superstars of chillwave.
It is therefore slightly disappointing (and poignantly apt, given the album’s title) that this album kicks off with not one, but three tracks that have all been released before on the duo’s debut EP,Candy Bar Creep Show. Indeed, lead album track ‘Hurricane’ has now been released three times all on its own – as the group’s debut single, on their debut EP, and now on their debut album. True, ‘Hurricane’ is an utterly fabulous track that arguably deserves as much coverage as possible, and yes, the moderately cynical ploy of major labels treating the EP as a “soft release” before the main album is becoming ever increasingly common, but for anyone who has loved this band from the very start, there is a slight feeling of grumbling dissention as the why there couldn’t be some more new stuff on this release.
Putting the politics aside, it must be said that Secondhand Rapture is a fine album, full of grand timbres, atmospheric soundscapes, and a dark vibe that is heavy, sombre and complex, yet retains a strong degree of commerciality. True, Ms Mr are heavily rooted in alternative New York scene, but the album has been sculpted in a highly professional and finely tuned fashion that will be palatable to a mass audience.
This album is not soulless or synthetic, however. Secondhand Rapture is awash with beautiful timbres cleverly layered, with coolly despondent melodies that tug on the heartstrings. This music is intelligent and dynamic, yet sits comfortably and whole-heartedly within its chosen niche of dark, melancholic alt-pop. The ultimate lynchpin for this dark wave of sound is perhaps rooted in Plapinger’s vocals. Her style of vocal dynamism is expressive yet effortless, with a little attitude and a vague element of surly sultriness that is highly reminiscent of Marina and the Diamonds, Florence and the Machine, and most potently of all, queen of Hollywood sadcore herself, Ms Lana Del Rey. Indeed, the dramatic yet refined vocal style of Ms Mr, combined with the discordant millpond of coldly prepossessing lyrical themes apparent throughout Secondhand Rapture are so perfectly delivered that Del Rey may have competition for that hallowed crown.
With this debut full-length release, all the potential Ms Mr have offered has come to fruition perfectly, even if some tracks are already fairly familiar. This could be one of the first great alternative pop albums of 2013.
See this at TGA at: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2013/05/14/review-ms-mr-2/
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