Euphoric

Georgias second album, Seeking Thrills, was her breakthrough release, reaching the Top 25 of the U.K. album chart and earning a Mercury Prize nomination. With that album, the London-born musician channeled everything that made her fall in love with dance music, particularly the blissful feelings of losing oneself on the dancefloor. Euphoric, her third album, continues in this spirit, expressing urgent emotions with a mixture of anthemic house and new wave dance. After producing her first two albums by herself, she felt the need to do something different, so she flew to Los Angeles and worked with former Vampire Weekend member Rostam on her third record. The result is Georgias most accessible album to date, although it does feel like some of the unique qualities of her earlier releases have been compromised. The grime and post-punk influences are all but absent here; there arent any angular rhythms or gritty distortion to be heard. Still, theres plenty of busy percussion and yearning hooks, but with smoother, glossier production. The opening track, "Its Euphoric," is subtler than its title suggests, describing a mood rather than fully diving into it. It takes a few more songs before the album reaches a state of ecstasy akin to an amazing night out at a club. On "Some Things Youll Never Know," Georgia attempts to break free from anxiety to the sound of rave pianos and pumping beats. "All Night" is more of a hands-up anthem with an earworm synth hook and glimmering Auto-Tuned vocals. "Live Like Were Dancing, Pt. II" revisits Georgias standout guest appearance on Mura Masas R.Y.C., slightly slowing the tempo down but otherwise maintaining the message of wanting to hold on to a moment of pleasure. "Friends Will Never Let You Go" celebrates having the support of ones nearest and dearest, propelled by intense, big beat-style drums and trancey effects. "So What," the albums calmer but still determined final song, sums up the album with a message of persistence and hope as she tries to overcome everything thats holding her back. ~ Paul Simpson

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