Clean Bandit fall in that category of bands who surprise us by getting very famous (when much better bands do not). They’re as brainy as the lovechild of Brians May and Cox: some band members met at Jesus College, Cambridge, while another member was at Westminster School and in a string quartet with the vocalist, who attended The Latymer School. The original vocalist left to take a PhD in laser analytics.
Their debut combined classics and pop, and sold as we’d expect, then came the single Rather Be with Jess Glynne, which sold 1.1m.
Being far from stupid they’ve ditched the pure classics and this new album is just a product: the tracks are all catchy electronic dance beats (Latin and dancehall influence to the fore), all with guest singers, from Rita Ora to Craig David.
It’s not an album, it’s a collection of tracks to play at clubs and download one at a time; the album is more of an umbrella device (An “umbrella device”? You mean “umbrella”? — Sub Ed) to market the tracks and name the tour. It might make a guilty pleasure, as it’s inoffensive and plays nicely in the background.
to be honest, there are loads of better albums but if you really must buy this, support your local record shop. If you’ve not got one, support us (an independent newspaper) and buy this from here:
