Lorde
lord, Republic Records are all over Ella Yelich-O’Connor like a rash. Stratospheric rise, then she gets gifted the reins for curating the Mockinjay Part 1 soundtrack. What next? (Part 2?). We think we know that she’s earned it. She’s 18, outspoken, has a voice like a film noir cabaret singer, and a slo-mo production sound that is bassy, ballsy and nothing like Lana Del 50 shades of Grey dull.The lyrics and video for Yellow Flicker Beat are chock-full of vivid, sensual imagery, and sees Lorde, well, grow up a bit in the camera’s eye.
This lead track is competing, by her own hand, with a lustrous roll call of dance and indie/rock artists that, on paper, will leave you salivating. Let’s hope the soundtrack distracts the (male) public from Jennifer Lawrence photo hunting. It’s worth it.
Released november 17th via virgin/emi