If there’s one appropriate way to greet “Uptight Downtown,” the first official single from La Roux’s upcoming sophomore album (set for release on July 7), it’s with a sigh of relief and the observation that it’s about damn time already. After all, it’s been five years since Elly Jackson, now the only official member of La Roux, released the band’s self-titled debut in 2009. And with the years come a number of changes — not only did Jackson split from bandmate and producer Ben Langmaid during that time, but she also endured a period of anxiety-induced voicelessness and now relies less on her falsetto. Luckily, “Uptight Downtown” proves that change can be good, especially when it heralds an album that Jackson calls “warmer” and “sexier” than the last.
And what’s so sexy about “Uptight Downtown?” Well, for one thing, it nails pop music’s current zeitgeist by embracing a chugging, early-’80s disco aesthetic. Even more promisingly, La Roux’s signature sound shines through the rich disco instrumentation of the track, with Jackson’s metallic, polished vocals imparting a modern edge to the throwback vibe. Long story short, when Jackson tells you that “the temperature is rising,” you should believe her… and hope she keeps it cranked up for the rest of the new album as well.