The Raveonettes - In And Out Of Control Album Review

Review of The Raveonettes album In And Out Of Control released through Fierce Panda.

They say that motherhood can do strange things to a woman, and in the case of Raveonettes co-founder and guitarist Sharin Foo, those maternal instincts come to the fore in regular despatches on 'In And Out Of Control', their fourth long player. Whereas 2007's 'Lust Lust Lust' re-ignited the spark that threatened to peter out after its largely disappointing predecessor 'Pretty In Black', Foo's year long hiatus has also given her and co-Raveonette Sune Rose Wagner time to reflect on and re-evaluate not only their band, but also what steps to take next. In Foo's case, songs like 'Last Dance', with its overtly sentimental and unashamed prom-pop overtones and the protectively vitriolic rants of 'Boys Who Rape (Should Be Destroyed)' and 'D.R.U.G.S', there's several underlying messages in both that suggest life is not all about hedonism or carefree attitudes in Camp Raveonettes. What it does amount to, however, is undoubtedly the duo's most radio-friendly record to date.

Having already paved the way for the likes of Glasvegas, Crystal Stilts et al back in 2002 with the still evocative eight-song EP 'Whip It On', they've since become something of an accepted jewel in nostalgia-tinged noise-pop's crown, and although the effects pedals take something of a backseat here, the majority of 'In And Out Of Control' still owes a huge debt to the Jesus And Mary Chain, admittedly though more 'Darklands' than 'Psychocandy'.

Part of that may be down to the production skills of Thomas Troelson, his previous clients including the likes of Junior Senior, DFA and hmmm... Aqua While there's no doubt he's been instrumental in cleaning their sound up along with adding an extra pop sheen, he's also given the songs an extra dimension of breathing space which means the likes of 'Bang!', 'Last Dance' and 'Suicide' take on an air of grandiosity, albeit in despatches.

Vocal harmonies apart, there isn't much here that resembles The Raveonettes past output bar 'Break Up Girls!', which to all intents and purposes could have slid its way onto 'Lust Lust Lust' with consummate ease. Everything else though clearly represents a fresh start and while they have to be commended for at least attempting something different, 'In And Out Of Control' just falls short of its most recent predecessor in terms of songwriting quality at least.

Nevertheless, that doesn't mean The Raveonettes are ready to be written off yet either, as those who did previously have already had to stomach more than their fill of humble pie. A welcome return then if somewhat lacking in consistency throughout.

3.5/5

Dom Gourlay