Other People's Lives
is the full-length debut of
Stats
, a London-based band formed by
Ed Seed
, who toured the world as a member of
Dua Lipa
's backing back (guitar/keys) before booking time in the studio to record improvised jams as part of his own six-piece. Far from unfocused or meandering, the final edits present a vibrant, articulate song set whose spin on detached alternative dance music evokes names like
Fujiya & Miyagi
,
Tom Bailey
, certain elements of
Pet Shop Boys
, and even artier acts like
Thomas Dolby
and
Everything Everything
. What
also has in common with those projects is a sense of humor and wit that doubles the fun alongside funky dance grooves. The album's opening moments establish both those traits on "I Am an Animal," which includes lyrics like "I will forget how to do my photo smile/It's as clean and flawless as a bathroom tile," delivered in deadpan speak-singing. It also introduces the band's dense electronic rock textures, which include multiple synths, electric guitars, and the rock-steady rhythm section of drummer
John Barrett
(
Eugene McGuinness
) and bassist
Stu Barter
Left with Pictures
), who's credited with Fender bass throughout. The glistening, syncopated funk continues on tracks like "Rhythm of the Heart" and the sparser "Change of Scenery," which offers austere beats under floating vocal harmonies. Its arrangements are accented by a variety of quirky, melodic guitar and synth tones, including a woodblock-type synthetic timbre. Over halfway through the track list, "Raft" takes on a brighter, new wavy demeanor, and "A Man Who Makes the Weather" is a dramatic, cabaret-style keyboard ballad. The album never seems to stray from its design, however, and is loaded with catchy, memorable songs, an even more impressive feat considering its origins. ~ Marcy Donelson