“If You Wait,” the debut album from British pop-indie collective London Grammar, stands to be one of the best debut albums of the past few years. The group combines the powerfully sultry vocals of singer Hannah Reid and nuanced production from Dan Rothman and Dominic “Dot” Major to create a truly unforgettable album.
London Grammar bares no expense in charging the listener with complex emotion. Much like artists such as The xx and Lana Del Rey, the group effectively weaves ethereal sound design with Reid’s remarkable voice. Often simultaneously conveying hope, sadness and affection, Reid’s vocals and lyrics grab the listener and refuse to let go.
Although Reid’s vocals rest at the forefront of London Grammar, Rothman and Major’s production perfectly supplement the lead singer. With delicate guitar licks and fragile piano keys at their disposal, the pair of producers provides an essential cap to the group’s sound. Rothman and Major favor downtempo instrumentals but carefully add enough variety to abstain from boring the listener.
The tracks, while similar in nature, manage to stand apart by functioning as unique songs that also flow together to form a cohesive work. Stand-outs include the philosophical, yet catchy “Strong” and the creative interpretation of Kavinsky’s “Nightcall.”
London Grammar represents an exciting addition to the pop-indie genre. Its layering of emotionally charged vocals over ambient production sets a benchmark for the genre. “If You Wait” only marks the beginning of a very successful career for London Grammar.
[A version of this story ran on page 8 on 3/27/2014 under the headline "London Grammar delivers"]
