The Raveonettes - In And Out Of Control

Hot on the heels of fellow Danish rockers Mew's latest album (the one with the extremely long name), The Raveonettes have returned to follow up 2007's Lust Lust Lust. The shoegazey feel remains but the Copenhagen duo have swaggered towards a much poppier sound on their new record, In And Out Of Control.

Does it work? Yes. A resounding yes.

Much like the earlier Raveonettes albums, you can look at their latest effort from two perspectives. You can see it as a rich tapestry of musical influence, from Blondie to the Velvet Underground to Jesus and the Mary Chain. Or you could simply describe it as an extremely good rock-pop album.

The dark undercurrent remains from their earlier songs, but this time it's laced with a serious dose of cheeriness, jousting for attention amid the darkened lyrics. There's no small hint of dark humour in there too, 'Hit me please/strike again/sadistic girls, I don't get you' being a lyric from 'Break Up Girls!'

All in all, this album will satisfy hardened Raveonettes fans and, whether this was intended as a mainstream clincher or not, open them up to a much wider audience. As for the highlights, Bang!, Gone Forever, and Heart Of Stone are my personal favourites, but don't be surprised to see Last Dance appearing on the radio...

Download 'Last Dance' here for free!

In And Out Of Control hits stores on 6th October 2009.