Little Boots CD Review
March 1, 2010

Label: Warner
Little Boots – Hands

http://www.myspace.com/littlebootsmusic

By: Valerie Bennett


There seems to be something that ties together British singers and the pop genre like a sturdy pair of laces to your favourite shoe. Blackpool native Little Boots (otherwise known as Victoria Hesketh) is certainly no exception to this favourable union.

While her debut album Hands has been on the British market since last summer, the singer/songwriter finally came strutting onto the North American pop-scene with the U.S. release of the album on March 2, 2010. Little Boots is the epitome of electropop, as she uses her natural and inherent pop sensibility to seamlessly pair catchy and clear lyrics with equally appealing and simple dance beats. Her combination of both elements creates the perfect dance album and in doing so, draws in listeners of multiple genres.

Like many pop artists, Little Boots sings of love, romance and heartbreaks, but differentiates herself by delivering such topics in a powerful and unique way. Often times, she reflects on the subjects through subtle (and absolutely addicting) metaphors. The track “Mathematics” cleverly tells of the complicated nature and difficulty of relationships through mathematical formulas and equations. Similarly, “No Breaks” discusses the frenzied journey of falling in love. Listeners may also take note of Boots’ spoken interlude throughout the track, providing a brief monologue-esque account of wondering how anyone has ever got along without love.

Many of the remaining tracks on Hands possess an upbeat flair, such as “Meddle” and “Stuck on Repeat”, mixing high-pitched synths, reverberating bass lines and sing along melodies. The main single “New In Town” kicks off the album with all of the aforementioned qualities, making it automatically apparent that this record will set you in the mood for a party. She sings “I’m gonna take you out tonight / I’m gonna make you feel all right / I don’t have a lot of money but we’ll be fine / No, I don’t have a penny but I’ll show you a good time.” The peppy chorus proves that you don’t need oodles of cash to have fun with the singer – just the right attitude and appropriate footwear.

The disc also offers a few note worthy collaborations. “Remedy” was produced RedOne, who is claimed to be responsible for Lady Gaga’s “futuristic sound”. “Symmetry” features the vocals of Human League singer Philip Oakey, who can be attributed to the 1981 track “Don’t You Want Me”. These instances of teamwork only affirm that she is heading down the right path in the pop world.

Little Boots’ most endearing track, however, comes at the finale of Hands. Just when you think the CD is over, she gives listeners one last dose throughout a secret song, following “No Breaks”. The song tells of an individual with a broken heart, desperate to mend it. It’s broken down and bare, with only Boots’ raw, organic vocals resonating over a simple piano melody. It truly is a hidden gem.

She is certainly an artist that you will want to keep your sights on. The singer may have little boots, but she’s taking big steps into the world of electropop.