Sleek, sensual, and retro-futuristic,
the Januaries' self-titled debut fuses smooth,
Bacharach-inspired pop, '60s rock, and slinky trip-hop elements into a surprising and distinctive collection of songs. Though singer/guitarist Debbie Diamond's throaty vocals sound equally good on strutting rockers like "Black Transmission" and "Summer of Love" as well as seductive numbers such as "Love Met the Devil" and "Chocolate and Strawberries," it's
the Januaries' fragile, striking ballads that make the album so refreshing; "The Girl's Insane" and "Jon Sings" have a certain bittersweet panache that recalls the best '60s pop laments. Similarly, the
Blondie-esque "Angel Eye" and
Sandie Shaw-like "Love Has Flown" reaffirm that
the Januaries can borrow from tradition without being a slave to it. Stylish yet irony-free, The Januaries is an impressive and worthwhile debut.