Album Review: Joe Goddard - Electric Lines

Between his work with Hot Chip and The 2 Bears, Joe Goddard's output has touched on a wide variety of genres - from rave to soul to folk to reggae.

With that in mind, part of the curiosity around his solo albums is simply what sounds he'll decide to explore on his lonesome.

In many ways, he's hewed close to his standard mix of influences. Cribbing the same sample as Primal Scream's Loaded and welding it to an AutoTuned vocal lead and spiralling house groove, the six-minute Lose Your Love is a classic retro-but-modern Goddard production. The '80s electro patterns and '00s synth leads of Lasers bridge a similar divide.

But, there's a dancefloor-ready directness and commercial polish that separates his productions here from either of his aforementioned main projects or his previous solo recordings - even as the spare rhythms and trippy synth washes make for a surprisingly subtle aesthetic overall. It's more dancefloor-ready than even The 2 Bears' rave-driven work. But, it's also more subtle and understated than Hot Chip's output.

In truth, the album's appeal might be too subtle. Some might want for an album of heavier hitters. But, it's a fabulously well-crafted listen. One suspects its finessed sheen will reward many repeat listens.