Rating: NNN
The second album from Hercules and Love Affair finally arrives in North America as a deluxe edition with B-sides and remixes to satisfy fans who’ve been listening since its UK release in January. It mines similar territory to the American dance-pop group’s acclaimed 2008 debut, but – as the title suggests – with a wistful tear in its eye.
More a producer’s project than a band, Hercules leader Andy Butler recruited mostly new singers to take on his mix of lovingly realized disco, house and slow burners. Whether he’s dialing down the pace on drifting ballad Boy Blue or jacking up a techno beat on Visitor, he does so with a thoughtful, nuanced ear. His arrangements sometimes outshine his melodies and lyrics, though. Whereas the first album packed an emotional wallop, the enjoyment of this one is in its details.
Top track: I Can’t Wait
