After five years without releasing a new album, French electronic music duo Justice delivered just what their fans have been missing on their explosive third studio album, Woman. Every track takes listeners through a sonic journey that avoids repetitive lyrics and guitar riffs, allowing the album to emerge as a cohesive piece that invokes feelings of excitement and curiosity.
It’s clear that Justice, consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, have increased confidence since the release of their 2011 second studio album, Audio, Video, Disco. The new album’s opener, “Safe and Sound,” shines in both composition and production, as it replicates the effects of a drug-induced haze, resulting in a sound that is reminiscent of veteran disco performers such as the Bee Gees or The Jacksons.
If kaleidoscopes emitted a sound, it would sound a lot like this release. Much of the album feels hypnotic, moving listeners with peaceful melodies and orchestral instrumentation. “Stop,” featuring Johnny Blake, is a tranquil, seamless highlight of the 10-track album, as it features calming harmonies from a choir in its choruses and a spectacular guitar solo that stands out from the many employed on this release. “Chorus,” however, feels unnecessarily complex and a break from the album’s delicately crafted production. However, the song can still be appreciated as it dramatically shifts midway towards a more futuristic, delightfully mystifying sound.
Most tracks on the release are at least five minutes long, allowing the passion felt in the music to grow by the second half of a song. The lyrics are whimsical and full of esoteric phrases, such as on “Pleasure,” a carefree track featuring Morgan Phalen of Diamond Nights, where Phalen urges his audience with a mantra to “Use Imagination/ As a destination.”
The duo takes risks on the album as well, such as on “Heavy Metal,” as the track opens with a heavy keyboard riff that sounds almost sinister and deviates from the album’s distinct psychedelic sound, serving as a perfect example of the versatility the French duo possesses.
Woman concludes with “Close Call,” a grand end to the album. The song is magnificent, sounding like music one would hear after beating a Legend of Zeldas video game, and brings feelings of gratification through its reliance on electronic elements. It’s clear Justice is improving with each record, and Woman demonstrates just why the duo cannot be ignored with such impressive artistic moves.
3.5/4 Shells
