While the obi strip on the CD babbles about new-rave and the album can be found in shop displays alongside Perfume, Japanese artist Immi's music follows a very French predilection for stylish electropop, as made famous internationally by Daft Punk, Air and Phoenix, or within Gallic walls by breathy jailbait star Alizee. Fat, distorted synth lines and deep house beats sustain most of the album, while Immi's voice is low, sultry and seductive (if not always quite on key), working through subtly unpredictable melodies such as on "Ups & Downs."
She's pulled in some guests for her debut album, such as Shigeo of Japanese electro unit The Samos, who shouts a bit on "Go With the Flow" and plays bass elsewhere. Rounding out the escar-go-go is a French-language rap by kNY (no, I've never heard of him either) on "Girlfriend?"
The album's darker moments, such as "Power Station," recall those of Kylie, while "Hazy" is melancholy R&B pop in the vein of Sugababes. But the pervading air is one of icy cool, such as on "1 Upper," that will doubtless find its way to smarter dance floors in Japan and Europe alike.
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