AlunaGeorge release I Remember out into an ocean of synth laden magic that sparkles and shimmers in all of its entanglements. Born from a year of collaborations their sophomore collection captures the group in endearing moments with hints of additional foreign flavors. The recording production jumps in electronic genre bending somewhere between alternative R&B & UK garage, giving a broader range while expanding their signature sound.
The evolving sound of AlunaGeorge almost seems necessary on this record to capture the added depth of experience from vocalist Aluna Francis. First and foremost Francis is sweetly charming as can be heard on the opening “Full Swing,” where guest Pell’s hip hop verse accentuates it. Immediately following the broody “My Blood” lingers on political charges, with Zhu literally echoing those sentiments towards the end. Producer George Reid’s production sounds outright classy between “Not Above Love” guitars and synthetic horn bass thumps, driven by a theme of a fractured heart.
Content-wise Francis is deliberately forward in her words, with song titles predictably outlining themes to come, though quality of her voice makes her sound quite believable. Synthpop beats carry “Hold Your Head High” within the urges onward in the midst of the storm. “Mean What I Mean” is dance floor outline of women’s empowerment, further highlighted in verse by smooth Dreezy flows and edgy vibes from Leikeli47. Post-breakup story “Jealous” sounds especially sweet as Francis aims to be more than simple distraction.
Though what may lack in content is made up in beautiful production value throughout I Remember. Leading single “I’m In Control” brings forth a Jamaican dancehall vibe, likely thanks to guesting Popcaan’s contributions, all the while touting exactly who’s in charge. In aching to relive love’s very first, the title track is awash in synthpop echoes as Francis relives her past love moments coming back from memories. “In My Head” quietly muses over relational strengths in subtle mixes of synth warbles, electric blips, and other sonic experimentation that stays with you long after the song has finished.
Perhaps the most charming element of the duo is they’re just predictably good. The “Mediator” moment, in exactly the relational mediation that it sounds like, is one funky slow jam that looks to better days. For being a sad number the “Heartbreak Horizon” taxi cab experience is sassy headstrong dance piece of letting everything go, playing out like an edgy relational metaphor. Then electronic production gleams in the closing “Wanderlust” as you become invited to… follow the wanderlust.
Three years past their debut release, AlunaGeorge have passed the sophomore slump in thoughtful collection that mixes expanding sounds and themes. For all the work between Reid and Francis the matching elements between them are notably on point. Reid has opted to experiment in evolving and blending in unique dance elements. Francis is openly direct in how her experiences building up this moment has changed her for the better. Between the two of them the evolution is a winning combination this time round.