Every now and than an album comes along that’s just about perfect (in its genre); delivering what it says on the CD case. In this case it’s the YYYs’ new album IT’S BLITZ which is the band’s best yet by a country mile. Now I can’t say that I’ve been a fan of previous work which I think has been a tad hit and miss; I was never quite sure where the band was heading or what it was trying to say.

IT’S BLITZ at first appears to be uncompromising in its commitment to electronica and dance. And the first track, ‘Zero’, is nothing less than a blockbuster opening which should fly to the top of the chart on release. An electric buzz introduces Karen’s O’s exuberent vocal as the song climbs like Spiderman up the side of a skyscraper to crescendo with keyboard in full flight. With its super-strong melody and superb production this could well be the single of the season. Next track ‘Heads Will Roll’ is adventurous, distinctive and downright illegal. In other words it’s another stonking, relentlessly beats-driven track. Dance to this one if you dare - it’ll kill ya! 

‘Soft Shock’ is an apt name for a track that slows down proceedings no doubt to provide a spell of respite care. ‘Skeletons’ slows pace to glacial as Karen slowly almost talks her way through it. Then a winding electronic sound (which sounds like strangulated bagpipes) enters to echo the song’s strong melody. It’s an unusual track which closes with a military drum salute which disappears into the distance. It’s superb.

Another beauty arrives with ‘Dull Life’ which opens quietly then suddenly explodes into life aided by throbbing guitars and Karen’s rebel yells. It’s a jagged and enthralling song. ‘Shame And Fortune’ is next with its rolling rhythm and rocky guitar punctuations - it would feel at home on dance and alternative club floors. ‘Runaway’ has Karen singing slowly over twinkling piano notes before the sound of Russia enters. It’s another beauty; utterly original and distinctive.

Mid-paced ‘Dragon Queen’is just okay and fine for dancing while ‘Hysteric’ is relatively calm and contemplative. ‘Little Shadow’ raises the stakes to end the album. It sounds like a snail’s pace lullaby with a quite exceptional instrumental arrangement and a beautiful, gentle vocal performance.

All is not what it seems. The album actually appears to be in two halves, the first strong dance beats, the second slower in pace and more message-led. And that’s what I really like about the album - its diversity. It’s a winner folks…

4/5