On Californian Soil, British trio London Grammar promised to explore frontwoman Hannah Reid's experiences as a woman in the music industry. But what could’ve been a great opportunity to reckon with sexism ended up feeling tepid and all too restrained, offering only vague observations and cliched platitudes. I just kinda got the sense that the British trio didn’t wanna step on too many toes…
Now, three years on from the release of Californian Soil, London Grammar have released their comeback single, ‘House,' attempting to recall the low-key dance remixes of 90s acts like Everything But the Girl as the trio combine their trade are theatrical pop with a frenetic thrum of drum n' bass. The clip, meanwhile, is appropriately set at a house party, with most of the action captured from the POV of a buzzing fly.
It's stylish, tasteful… and so painfully dull. I knew London Grammar wouldn’t stray far from the melancholic pop blueprint, but their reluctance to evolve is frustrating at this point. The addition of drum n’ bass to their sound just feels a little like trend bait, like they’re playing catch up with other artists who’ve done the same to more memorable degrees.
Rather than a house party, it’s the kind of track you’d play in the background if you wanted to give your dinner party a little edge. Like if you were serving something ethnic like a spicy ragu instead of beef wellington and using the colourful stoneware plates instead of the wedding china…
Pardon my grammar, but this makes Coldplay sound like fucking Slipknot.
London Grammar’s upcoming album, The Greatest Love, is out September 13 via Ministry Of Sound/Sony.