Witching Hour by Ladytron

Ladytron: Daniel Hunt, Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo, Reuben Wu. Recording information: Elevator Studios, Liverpool, England. Indie electro-pop outfit Ladytron turned in their most accomplished and realized effort with 2005's WITCHING HOUR. The heavy influence of early-'80s synth-pop is still prevalent here, though less so than on previous releases. Instead, WITCHING HOUR incorporates the aesthetics of New Order and Depeche Mode into a sound that also features elements of shoegaze and dream pop, making for an alluring, atmospheric vibe. Ladytron's music is moody, with goth overtones, a feeling perfectly suited to their chilly synth-scapes and eerie melodies. Yet the group leavens these qualities with sharp songwriting, casting out hooky refrains that float on the voices of singers Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo. All told, Ladytron mix classic elements of '90s indie rock with an updated, postmodern approach, making for dark, sophisticated contemporary pop.