Feature: Lightspeed Champion > <
‘Life is Sweet, Nice to Meet You’
Lightspeed Champion's - the former Test Icicles front-man Devonté Hynes - latest album, ‘Life is Sweet, Nice to Meet You’, acts as a brilliant progression from his previously alternative country edge, which he used to such great affect on his 2008 debut ‘Falling off the Lavender Bridge’. That country edge has been mainly replaced in favour of a more refined sound now, with the inclusion of a multitude of different instruments and vocals.
'Life is Sweet, Nice to Meet You’ contains a multitude of musical elements including traditional piano pieces, scrambled percussion portions, plucky guitar strings and even an all male choir to back up Hynes’ roaring vocals. 'Life is Sweet...' also takes from a varied array of genres, such as classical, folk and pop which, when mixed and merged together, creates moments of genuine genius.
The Trees Are Sure Green Around Here
After suffering from a serious throat infection, which kept him out of the studio, the American born Brit was probably just relieved to complete this album, let alone produce such a splendidly exquisite piece of pop music excellence.
Though his first album was well received by the industry it only managed to reach number 45 in the album charts and while the man behind the L ightspeed Champion facade, Hynes, may not be a household name, his continued growth over the past few years is slowly turning him into the artist everyone wants to work alongside. Florence Welch , Emmy the Great, Diana Vickers, The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx and Solange Knowles are just a few who admire his multiple abilities.
As ‘Life is Sweet...’ unravels, you begin to appreciate the numerous strings to Hynes’ bow while being taken on an emotional journey of love and heartache with the occasional piece of pure pop perfection tied in.
'Dead Head Blues'
The dark, stripped down prologue to this album highlights everything that is unique and appealing about Lightspeed Champion. Its subtle rhythm producing a delicate sound before the beat kicks in and adds depth to produce a spectacularly beautiful heartbreak opener.
'Marlene'
What follows, however, is an upbeat number with its lightly bouncing beats, lively rhythm and increasing guitar impetus building a merry pop atmosphere - no wonder this was pulled out as the lead single.
'There’s Nothing Underwater'
A rapid drop in tempo ensues as the folk inspired ballad swirls around with emotion; Lightspeed Champion singing about losing a lover, “every second that you run away/makes me miss you more and more.”
Hynes confirms here why he is such a sought after collaborator/producer. 'There's Nothing Underwater' highlights his deep understanding and versatility of the industry. This track would easily fit right into the current phase of folk-rock records alongside Mumford & Sons and Frank Turner.
'Intermission'
The first of two instrumental intermissions with a bouncy keyboard tune combined with a funky introduction of guitar plucks. A simple yet effective one and a half minutes.
'Faculty of Fears'
This could easily become the anthem for those disastrously shambolic nights out, where everything seems to fall apart and you want to curl up in bed, “And if your heart’s screaming take me home/Then hail a cab and please turn off your phone.”
'The Big Guns of Highsmith'
Opening with a sweet traditional piano tune before the heavy stomping beat commences, the powerful presence of an all male choir adds further layers and strength to this bizarre, yet spectacular song.
'Romart'
Yet another beautifully constructed romantic ballad from the transatlantic star; its references to an innocent love affair will leave you feeling warm and tingly inside.
'I Don’t Want to Wake Up Alone'
The male choir and piano are out in force again for this one and Lightspeed Champion is certainly going the right way about winning the ladies over with another beautiful ballad of love and loss.
'Madame Van Damme'
After an influx of emotionally led ballads, 'Madame Van Damme' seems like a welcome relief. Its change in key influence from the piano to the guitar and drum beat pick up the pace but once the lyrics kick in, you realise this track also contains a strong message of a broken heart as Lightspeed Champion begs, “Kill me, Baby, won’t you kill me.”
'Smooth Day'
A stripped down track, which highlights the underlining splendour of Lightspeed Champion talents, as this soft ballad establishes a soothing and relaxing environment and by this point you begin to wonder what emotional turmoil Hynes has experienced to produce such a touching and poignant collection.
'Intermission 2'
Another clever intermission of quirky percussion beats. Simple.
'Sweetheart'
A country/folk inspired track developing from a light harmony into a powerfully dramatic record as the piano is gradually joined by the drums, guitars, percussion, bells and howling vocals creating an emphatic ballad.
'Etude Op.3'
A classically inspired piano instrumental piece to facilitate Hynes’ musical gift.
'Middle of the Dark'
The introduction of ‘Middle of the Dark’ lays down the foundation to a rather incoherent combination of musical traits displayed by Hynes, combining and mixing his different influences together in a jolted series of beats and rhythms which while on paper shouldn’t work, does and this track adds a fitting conclusion to sum up the journey of exploration that had previously ensued.
'A Bridge and a Goodbye'
A gorgeously soothing and mellow instrumental close to ‘Life Is Sweet, Nice to Meet You,’ and indeed it is Mr. Hynes...
Written by: Craig Mills
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