Lorde
Pure Heroine
October 28 2013 (Virgin EMI)
8/10
Words: Alison Mack
Ella Yelich-O'Connor - Lorde - is just 16 years old. It is that that seems to be the main selling-point of this precocious New Zealander, who, with her debut has kicked Miley off the top spot already in the US. Recorded over the winter of 2012/13 in Auckland with producer Joel Little, Pure Heroine is an unflinchingly well accomplished and observed debut that is like a litany from a Y generation chronicler, from writing of rappers' lyrics that espouse the cult of bling on the sparse and woozy 'Royals' ("And we'll never be totals/it don't run in our blood/That kind of luxe just ain't for us/We crave a different kind of buzz") - the lyrics to which she allegedly wrote in just 30 minutes - to dissecting general teenage life angst on the crackling, synth waved 'Team' ("I'm kinda older than I was when I rebelled without a care") and growing up on 'Ribs'. The detached style continues on 'Tennis Court', and in her smoky-edged vocal we can see why comparisons to Lana Del Rey have been made. It might be churlish to say, but as Del Rey now admits to difficulty coming up with a sophomore album, it will be interesting to see how long Lorde can keep her momentum flowing. Still, with her 17th birthday imminent in just over a week, for now the young lady has much to celebrate.
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