Album Review: LSD - Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present… LSD

Coming together as LSD, Labrinth, Sia and Diplo have steadily been releasing singles since last year. This album collects those anthems and bangers into a fun-filled collection of tunes. All these Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds hijinks started last year with Genius and Audio, but it was Thunderclouds that, fairly ubiquitously, soundtracked last year’s European summer holidays. While Sia and Labrinth sing of a failing relationship, this song just pops with hooks and easy feelgood vibes. 

At this stage of the game, Sia and her powerhouse pop vocals are instantly recognisable and for the most part she gets by on their awe-inspiring strength without dealing too many surprises. Labrinth, discovered by and signed to Simon Cowell’s label, doesn’t let Sia totally dominate the mix. His raps, rhymes and distinctive falsetto creates a duetting dialogue with her across much of this album. As Sia and Labrinth are up front pulling all the vocal tricks, Diplo deals solid dance-pop vibes that just bounce. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this album is that it feels like Diplo, with his roots in more underground sounds, is dipping his toe in music that’s unashamedly chasing chart success. 

If you have been following LSD, chances are you have already heard much of this album. Angel In Your Eyes acts to rev up listeners ears, before It’s Time brings us down gently. Lil Wayne’s manic remix of Genius almost perfectly wraps up the album. Pulling all their singles into a satisfying long-player, LSD make music that’s highly addictive.