Lara Smiles - All for You

  by Dave Goodwin

published: 24 / 12 / 2018

Label: Wonky Pop
Format: CD

intro

Flamboyant and versatile debut album from London-based singer-songwriter Lara Smiles which combines indie and electronica

Having caught the eye of BBC, XFM and international DJs, Lara Smiles has received extensive airplay on radio stations in the UK and globally. Her sound is a mix of indie and electro. The majority is guitar-driven, synth-inspired and bursting with flamboyant layers of good old pop. Lara actually started out writing punk and soul tunes on her guitar, but discovering underground raves in her teens led her to a love of dance music and experimenting with samples. Her recent singles have been co-produced by Lara and legendary producer Youth of Primal Scream, The Verve and Paul McCartney fame. Lara has finally released her debut album 'All for You', a record packed full with such an incredible wide range of genres, tones and moods that have spawned from her being featured as a guest vocalist on several albums for established artists and bands, including Shed Seven, the Orb and Jah Wobble and also writing and gigging with prevalent dance outfit The Egg. She’s also performed at some of the world's largest venues and music festivals. She has already made no less than four Glastonbury performances and supported many legendary artists such as Richard Ashcroft, James McCartney and Pete Doherty. The first track on this synth driven affair is 'Coincidence', a melodic tune, with some wild lead guitar and an underlying bass line that sets the tone for the rest of the album. 'Dictate Peace', a little more funky and full of 70's vibes with a more intricate feel to it, showcases Smiles’ more serious side. The title track is a happy, inspiring tune aimed at the ever growing/resurgent synth –pop market that will get the feet tapping and no doubt be a subject for a mix or two. 'Save Yourself' is quite different direction again, revealing another side to Smiles, a murkier, more gloomy and subdued side. This debut album doesn’t disappoint at all. It’s a great way to start your studio life and a great way to showcase the variety of moods and directions Smiles is able to project herself to. Those who already know her work or will have seen her live will greatly enjoy this kaleidoscope of sounds and newbies will be discovering something that will stay with them for a long time. Incidentally, Lara and Tom Findlay of Groove Armada are presently working on a new single together which I'm reliably told is a dark techno track that she wrote in her tour bus and when she played it to Tom he fell head over heels and rushed her off to the recording studio. A good healthy start to studio life for an up-and-coming artist that will turn a few heads in the near future. And deservedly so.

Track Listing:-