When two electronica powerhouses like DJ’s Buda and T.O.M. decide to make an album you’d expect nothing can possibly go wrong. And surely, nothing goes wrong on this their debut as Lulu Rouge which is probably one of the most anticipated and hyped releases in modern Danish music history. Big words, I know, but after more than a decade on top of DK electronica as DJ’s and producers the rumours of a joint album sounded sweeter than any nothings a boy- or girlfriend could ever whisper.

Originally a summer Sunday afternoon chill-out DJ gig along with friend and ally Trentemøller at now defunct outdoor bar and restaurant Luftkastellet in Copenhagen at the beginning of this century, Lulu Rouge taken their good time making this album. In part because T.O.M. went on a three year worldwide tour with Trentemøller while Buda tended his producer and DJ obligations. But hey, now it’s here and it’s indeed a blessing.

With help from among others Swedish songstress Alice Carreri Pardeilhan (Alice Sings The Petterson Songbook), Danish singer Mikael Simpson, Abdullah S (Booty Cologne) and Trentemøller (who’s co-written two songs on ‘Bless You’), Lulu Rouge invites you on a tour of the darker regions of your soul with 10 deeply melancholic dub compositions. Well, nine deeply melancholic dub songs really, because the most dance floor friendly track ‘Sweeter Than Sweet’ lifts the mood a little (without ever being really joyous) just over halfway through with its thumping beat and catchy refrain.

Now, it could sound like an album not fit for those inclined for depression or worse, but however wistful and despondent ‘Bless You’ may seem in writing – I mean, opening track is called ‘Melankoli’ (“melancholy”) -  Buda and T.O.M. still manage to keep a somewhat light disposition to it all, making their debut equally perfect for kicking back in the sun with a cold one, grooving in da club, nursing the Sunday morning blues or enjoying a little big city alienation. And, not least, a very serious contender come award season.

Genre: Electronica
Who: Lulu Rouge
Title: Bless You
Label: Music For Dreams
Year: 2008
Country: Denmark
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
Melankoli – Lulu’s Theme – Bless You – Sweeter Than Sweet