Legouix bites... but you won’t object...
author: Heath Andrews
Artist: Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers
Album: Relax…I Won’t Bite…unless you want me to?
Review by: Heath Andrews
There’s a thin line that separates the seductively sexy from the overtly trashy. Alexandra Legouix knows where that line is and with the backing of her band, The Sunflowers, she explores the limits of the seductive side without pushing it too far. Her lovely, slightly husky, intensely sultry voice would stand well on its own, but is instead paired up with some marvelously exotic Latin arrangements. These sounds match the sensual lyrics to form an EP that oozes musical talent as much as it oozes sex appeal.
Drawing inspiration from the song, “Whatever Lola Wants” from the musical Damn Yankees, Legouix & The Sunflowers begin with the aptly titled, “Lola.” Though each song features the same opening line, Legouix’s writing goes in a completely different direction lyrically and musically. This version describes a beautiful woman who goes completely unwanted by her man despite her efforts to entice him. As a result, she goes horribly unsatisfied and yearns to break away, “To a place of excitement and pure enticement/Naughty fun, cardinal sin.” The arrangement is very Latin in nature given its Spanish guitar sounds and artful use of the violin. Mention has to be made of Legouix’s co-writer and multi-instrumentalist, Martyn, “Nero” Ellis. Ellis is able to create wonderful arrangements with effective layering of keyboards in and around the other instrumentation. “Lola” is also included at the end of the EP in an extended mix, more than twice the length of the radio edit. This version goes ever further to highlight the structure Legouix and Ellis crafted for the track given how engaging it is for such an extended cut.
“Perfectly Entwined” follows suit by keeping up the Latin atmosphere but mixing up the instrumentation a bit. The keyboards are present in playing a synthesized string and xylophone type sound, while flourishes of the alto saxophone creep in to make the song sound more atmospheric. Legouix plays to the up-tempo pace by ripping through a lyric whose chorus quickly reads, “Get it on, we’re the same/Take a chance, play the game/It’s your life, who do you want to be…” This pace is due in no small part to the fantastic bass performance from Tony Dodd.
Opening with the sound of waves, “Jealousy” has a more relaxed, island atmosphere, bolstered yet again by the saxophone work of Lizzie Sambrook. In keeping with the laid-back tone, most of the performances are very subdued; even the guitar solo that Ellis offers up is methodical and understated, even though there’s undeniable passion in every note he plays. Also of note on this track is how Legouix explores her range, allowing her voice to ascend into higher notes during the chorus. She handles these sections beautifully, in a tone that could be described as a kind of breathless tease.
The last song, (outside of the extended mix of “Lola”) “Time To Go (Berlin Babylon)” mixes up the sound further by swapping out the previously heard instruments for piano and accordion. It’s another unique twist that thematically works with the songs prior, but still sounds different enough to be engaging. The accordion is mostly used for atmosphere while the brief but bouncy piano solos are perfectly suited for the energy and momentum carried in the arrangement and the lyric. Legouix sings about walking through Berlin, taking in the sights and constantly moving about. The fun little rap she includes near the end of the song is achingly poetic, describing where Berlin has come from over the last few decades and what the city means to the people who live there. It’s a serious moment amidst a playful sounding tune that fits in remarkably well.
Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers put forth an outstanding but far too brief EP with Relax…I Won’t Bite… Not counting the second version of Lola, there are really only four songs here, but each of them sizzle thanks largely to Legouix’s delivery but also in no small part to The Sunflowers. The use of various instruments from the violin to the saxophone to create and amplify a strong Latin sound is a strong asset to the EP and listeners will certainly enjoy it. The extended title states that Legouix won’t bite unless you want her to, but after a couple seconds into “Lola” her teeth are already there, and you won’t object to it either.
Review by: Heath Andrews
Rating: 4.5 Stars (out of 5)
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