The debut album by the London duo of vocalist/lyricist Aluna Francis and producer George Reid was a collection of high-tempo fluorescent pop called Body Music that came out two years ago to much hype but little cut-through. Appearances on other artist’s tracks since (most notably Diplo and Skrillex’s To Ü) may have given them an idea, though, and collaborators from dancehall star Popcaan to pop-house favourite Flume have lent their services to follow-up I Remember.
The result is a work that maintains the group’s penchant for sweet melody and upbeat refrain, but with a richer sound underneath. Mean What I Mean articulates the album’s key theme of female agency over a 90s house rhythm and a noughties Basement Jaxx-style bass, before bringing it all up to date with verses from woozy rappers Leikeli47 and Dreezy. Wanderlust twins alt-R&B with EDM and Francis’s London vocals, while Heartbreak Horizon has a novel style – sounding a bit like a blend of Diplo and Lauren Hill. It’s well-executed mainstream pop with enough variety to prick the ears.
