Ladytron
Velocifero

Although there was already a review on this album here on DeBaser, it seemed appropriate to write one that focused on different aspects.

"Velocifero" in Latin means "Bearer of Speed" and never has a title been more fitting for an album like this one.
It remains true that the difference from predecessors, like "Witching Hour" and "Light&Magic" is really significant: whereas there used to be room for dance rhythms and simple electronics that were at times dark, now the sound becomes heavier and at times harder to comprehend.

"Velocifero" opens with "Black Cat", a song in Bulgarian with a one and a half minute intro that already projects us into the group's new sound. It is a very "dark" song and a great presentation for the album. It is followed by "Ghosts", the first single released, a wonderful song. The song - in my humble opinion - conveys a certain air of coldness and indifference that those who have attended Ladytron's live shows know well. In fact, it is the album's most commercial song, great for the wider audience.
"I'm Not Scared" is already heavier, more dark, and definitely faster. The same cannot be said about Runaway, which maintains the underlying darkness (incidentally, it is the second single released) with a very catchy beat.
Then there's "Season Of Illusions", a beautiful text but it seems a bit repetitive were it not for some parts of the song that distinguish it from the rest.
In my opinion, the most beautiful track of the album - perhaps because of the energy it carries, perhaps because of the drums and the strength of the piece - is Burning Up. It's a little gem, a true "Velocifero".
The album then takes a momentarily heterogeneous turn, completely separating from the previous tracks, in Kletva, in Bulgarian. It bears a strong resemblance to a folk song and as it progresses, in some ways, the rhythm becomes more "desperate", dirtier, and heavier (in a good sense).
Like whips hitting the ground, "They Gave You A Heart They Gave You A Name" and "Predict The Day" arrive, both with strong and fast rhythms, as usual surrounded by dark lyrics. In fact, "Predict The Day" could initially be mistaken for a dance-like piece reminiscent of "Light&Magic".
We hear a very distorted rhythm with "The Lovers" which blends perfectly with "Deep Blue" which, however, risks flattening the album, making it almost too homogeneous. "Tomorrow" is very melodic instead and precedes another gem of the album, perhaps the song that makes you wonder "what is it doing here?" when you hear it amongst this album: Versus. Many words could be spent on this track. For starters, it's a good thing that it's also sung by a male voice, that you hear the guitar with an electronic background that makes you dream. The lyrics, as usual, are enigmatic. An excellent closure, a bit dramatic in some points but absolutely wonderful.

In conclusion, the judgment on "Velocifero" is overwhelmingly positive.
The Ladytron have matured substantially and are discovering their sound, which they had already started with Witching Hour, even though they have announced that the next album will break away from this style.
Even if at times it seems too similar due to the "strong" and fast sound it presents, each song has its peculiarity and it is hardly boring.
Surely to be fully appreciated it requires more than one listen but it certainly is worth it.
It is speed in its purest form, a very dark speed that leaves room for dreams and strong emotions, which this fantastic album gives us.