With
XL1,
Pete Shelley integrates layers of guitar into the electronic synth-pop he essayed on his solo debut,
Homosapien. While the result isn't quite as bracing as its predecessor, the music benefits from the guitar -- it sounds edgier, making the record fairly captivating. There's still some weak material on the record, but "Telephone Operator" and "If You Ask Me (I Won't Say No)" are terrific, ranking among
Shelley's best. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine