Justice "Hyperdrama" (2024)

Still lingering in the shadows cast by Woman, an eight year wait hasn't yielded much excitement. The Disco-Funk inspired French duo return crisp and clear with a tight production to dazzle with stunning aesthetic clarity. The record sounds utterly gorgeous, rich in texture and smoothness. Its samples croon and instruments strike with fidelity and groove. A sweet indulgence but that can only take it so far.

Front loading the album with its best leaves a mediocre trail of songs experimenting with overt influences. Thumping dancefloor Disco sensibility, jolting Funk grooves, flushes of Progressive Rock melody, Classical frameworks and 70s Electonic music intersect with modern synth tones just short of the finish line. Every song feels unique, charactered and interesting but lacks the claws to sink their grip in.

Hyperdrama's Merits lay in the voices that illuminate a handful of collaborations. They add a dimension sorely needed on its instrumental counterparts. Two unions with Tame Impala strikes chemistry perfection! Kevin Parker's cloud sailing voice a snug fit for their tone. He, Rimon, The Flints and Miguel are classy fits that finish off these fine instrumentals, sounding utterly fantastic with an array of tender performances.

I have no complaints, perhaps my taste right now wasn't apt for this nostalgia tinted offering. Enjoyable, yet lacking a deeper connection after a fair few spins. One instrumental that struck gold was Generator, a Dubstep reminiscent nightly assault of unhinged jagged synths colliding with a dramatic string section. Reminded me of Carpenter Brut. I find myself desiring to enjoy these tracks more than I do. Strange.

Rating: 6/10

Justice "Woman" (2016)

Drenched in the glossy ooze of indulgent synths, illuminated by soft swooning vocals, "Woman" takes us on a retroactive trip through the Disco dance floors of old with an infatuated re-imagining of that era. French House duo Justice probably can't get by without mention of another French House duo, Daft Punk, who's influence can be heard boldly on the noisy crunching club tune "Chorus". Daft Punk are known for their inspirational roots in Disco & Funk music but in their long absences this pair fill the void with no imitation craft. Similar in stature and matching in talent, Justice go down the smooth and swooning path with a bright and colorful set of instruments, electronics and strings  cruising over tight, rock steady softly thudding Dance beats.

With a backbone for the dance floor these songs play out with events, transformations and lucid progressions that may pass you by given their seamless chemistry. With a keen ear for strings many repetitions are brought to life with cinematic strings rumbling in with melodies like a lead guitar. The many layers of instruments interchange their focus to convert what could be simplistic, repetitive dance tunes into woven tapestries of symphonic dance night groove as one instrument takes the lead over from the next and the music continuously unravels before us in electronic wonder. The album has strength in variety and consistency tone, it flows like a river while taking us many places, some with hints of astral vibes as if gazing to the stars above.

 With little to flaw one can only marvel at the balance of elements here. Bright, modern production breaths life into old sounds and ideas. Its romantic, elegant and nostalgic, the duos singing, velvety high pitched harmonies, are sublime. On the song "Randy" they sound very much like the vocal style of Kevin Parker from Tame Impala. This record grew slow on me, which I find rather strange in reflection. With each familiarity the bigger picture became clearer I guess and I get the sense it will continue to grow on me with time. "Woman" is a very sturdy record, I can only sing its praises.

Favorite Tracks: Chorus, Randy, Heavy Metal

Rating: 8/10