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Apr 28, 2010 Quadron By Laura Studarus

Although adorably anachronistic, Quadron (producer Robin Hannibal and the one-named singer Coco) never delve into kitsch on their self-titled debut album. Instead, the Danish duo faithfully mash up funk, electro, and R&B into a delicious, featherweight sonic brew. The problem is, that while pleasing, Quadron seem content to settle for paying homage to their influences rather than emulating genre originators’ conviction or ennui. Then again, who really wants ennui while buying a latte?

While never taking an outright misstep, the band treads lightly across the album’s 13 songs. Coco, more ingénue than sultry starlet, falters on slower tracks, clearly more at ease with the playful funk of “Jeans” or retro-charm of “Slippin.” Hannibal cleverly builds around his big-voiced leading lady, sprinkling in horns, sax, and baselines with a deceptively understated touch. The edges are sanded down and the grit has long since been removed, but one couldn’t ask for a producer with a better sense of timing. The stars align for “Pressure,” Quadron‘s unequivocal high point. A breezy upbeat ditty with Phil Spector-style vocals, an aggressive chorus piano breakdown, and brass and handclap backing, it’s an entire meal on an album of mere appetizers. (www.myspace.com/quadronquadron)

Author rating: 6/10