Julia Becker - Quintet for Piano Violin 2 Violas & Cello - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Shostakovich's Piano Quintet with Julia Fischer, Nils Monkemeyer and the Oliver Schnyder Trio. Shostakovich 50th anniversary of his death August 9

Wajnberg, Laks Piano Quintets

Pirouetting on decadence, meeting eyes with a dizzy sensation, falling and flying at the same time-Lust for Youth have continually held poise through the most vitalising of times. Their new album, a self-titled collection of eight songs, is sure-footed where they had earlier feared to tread, and light-headed for a new set of reasons. The album is driven by a dance-pop agenda, hustling it's way through up-beat peaks that level out into reflective ballads. While still taking clear cues from a crop of austere synth-pop, Lust for Youth sound brighter than they ever have before, taking tips from some of the flirtiest Eurobeat to aid their new direction. On their previous album, Compassion, Lust for Youth examined euphoria and contemporary life with a wry wit. Where facetiousness masqueraded as commit-ment, compliments and fawning clearly yearned for a true connection. Lust for Youth takes some familiar strides, though to another place. The disaffected balaeria is this time rendered into brighter pop compositions that bustle with intricate production. No longer galvanising us with hooks, but with a songcraft unhin-dered by anxiety, the album presents a cohesion not seen in the project until now. Lyrically, the apprehension still hangs like tinsel. Often garish and celebratory, the droll mischief is this time more pointed, more personal, and far more self-aware. A thread of reflections upon the state of the world is artfully wound throughout the album, casting a quiet force upon the detachment of Norrvide's vocals. Lust for Youth have been one of love's most honest confrères, detailing the pangs of what is all too often a sullen process. On this occasion they look up. The pull of the world is different for us all, but it pulls us all.