Laissez Faire - No Land For Escape

Strangely, the first thing that came to mind when I first saw this cd, was Adam Smith's phrase: "Laissez Faire et Laissez Passer". Of course, this band has nothing in common with the Scottish forefather of modern capitalism. The second thing that I would like to mention, is that, until today, I had never heard of this band. What's more I am very pleasantly surprised and intrigued I could add,since discovering them. This release of course is a bit old, since it saw the light of day back in 2008.

But that again, is no problem. Laissez Faire are in fact a hellenic band, formed in Thessaloniki, back in 2003. What they present here is a perfect blend of indie rock, pop, post punk and alternative aesthetics in general. And what they deliver is certainly much more than a handful of good songs.

It is difficult to describe my emotions upon listening to this album for the first time. The opening track "Electrify" is one of the best tracks I've heard in a long time. An amalgam of indie melodic guitars and a great female voice leading this composition to perfection. I had to repeat it quite a few times, in order to believe my ears: such a beautiful, catchy, emotional song that is. I am not exaggerating, I had not heard a local band that is so good at their game, since the times of Make Believe. And that is so much more than a compliment.

The same, sweet and bitter at the same time, impression never leaves me through out this cd. All tracks are catchy and memorable, while all this material rests strongly on solid, lustful melodies. Vocals are somehow divided: some tracks build on male vocals, others do on female ones. Both are really good but it would be a sin not to do a special mention on Eleni's voice. Crystal and gentle, it certainly adds a new dimension to Laissez Faire's universe. The lyrics are well thought and certainly fit this style completely. In the end this is a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Apart from "Electrify", other stand out tracks would include "Make Me Glow", "No Path" and "Angels". But, as you can understand, this is purely subjective: the album as a whole leaves me with a sense of freshness and sweet melancholy. Needless to say, this is a must have for all indie/post punk accolytes. I would go as far as adding that in a fair world Laissez Faire would be famous.

A great discovery for me. Buy or die!

Tracklist:
1)Electrify
2)Make me Glow
3)Only Truth
4)No Path
5)Things We Never Shared
6)Blind
7)Pulling Me Down
8)Escape
9)Angels

9/10   isabelle S.