Make Me Believe in Hope

It's been a long wait for this, the debut album by Bright Light Bright Light (Gremlins-referencing stage name of Rod Thomas) - so it's a relief to finally hear it in full and find that it's a superb collection of compelling dance pop and electronic ballads. Rod is a writer, vocalist and producer/remixer; his personality is therefore stamped all over the album. After the first few listens, there is one very clear standout track which I have already played on multiple repeat - the fantastic 'Moves', which completely nails happy/sad disco devastation ("Moving on is the hardest thing to do...") in a way that fills me with joy. The middle eight section is stunning and sounds like the perfect companion piece to Kylie's 'All The Lovers', with which it also shares ethereal slightly out-of-kilter synths and a euphoric sense of eventual triumph through adversity. Previous single 'Disco Moment' still sounds fresh, with it's throbbing bassline leading towards a huge chorus with an uplifting melody that contrasts with the 'break up' lyrics. There are several more strong, melodic dance moments: 'Cry At Films', 'Waiting For The Feeling' and 'New Word To Say' are all shimmering, finely crafted synth tracks. The slower songs are all lovely - particularly 'How To Make A Heart', which is an oddly moving and intricately produced piece of melancholy wistfulness. It's a pity that his cover of 'Falling' (theme from Twin Peaks) is not also included on this album but 'How To Make A Heart' runs it very close for haunting beauty. 'Immature' falls into neither category, being the most experimental production-wise (merging mid-80s synths with skipping beats and dream-like melodic chimes). The lyrics - typically for this album - are reflective, vulnerable and self-critical ("Everything I wanted seems so immature.."). Closing song 'Grace' puts Rod's plaintive vocals right at the centre of the mix, with sparse production gradually building into an epic-sounding send off. There is a lyrical depth and emotional connection here that pushes this album into a territory of its very own. Favourite album of the year so far.