La Roux

This record of unapologetically derivative 80s synth-pop is already a sensation in the UK, boasting a pair of hit singles.

A sharp, bold effort that should be so much more of a talking point than an avant-grade hairstyle. If, when time passes, the quiff is more of a conversation starter than this self-titled debut album, you’ll know things could have gone better.

It took just over six months for La Roux to go from issuing their first single on Kitsune to topping the U.K. charts.

However both of those highly tipped girls have so far been eclipsed by one Ellie Jackson, the 23 year old girl from Brixton who (along with Ben Langmaid) goes under the name La Roux.

2009 will be remembered as the year when women took over music.

The sheer force of La Roux’s best songs steel themselves against pretty boys as well as petty criticisms.

<p>Things have come to a pretty pass when a record that sounds like Blancmange constitutes the leftfield option, says <strong>Alexis Petridis</strong></p>

Album Reviews: La Roux - La Roux

Insistently poptastic, La Roux have the sheen of genius.

This week's rock & pop releases reviewed