Parisian songstress Yelle and producers TEPR and Grand Marnier have crafted an ambitious debut that is close to synth-pop perfection.  The music on Pop Up is bright, energetic and never boring.  The tracks comprise a deft blend of synths of all varieties for a sound whose aesthetic is rooted in 80’s electro, but whose complexity and depth are examples of the best of contemporary music.

Fair warning: Yelle sings entirely in French, so for those enamored with lyrical depth this may not be a perfect fit for you.  However, her voice is so sweet and subtle that it fits in perfectly with the music as a whole and adds just the right amount of humanity.  Plus, you have to respect a French person actually singing in their native language. (Justice, Daft Punk et. al, I’m looking at you.)  The songs range from dancy, bubbly pop (“Ce Jeu”) to more balladic, epic synth-pop (“Tristesse Joie”)  I know this doesn’t sound like much variety, but the songs never grow stale, as Pop Up’s producers have created catchy melody after catchy melody, often creating multiple “movements” within a single song.

The influences of both Yelle and her producers shine through with lively French Touch basslines, Alan Braxe inspired leads and B-52 aping compositions.  Some songs even evoke the frenetic sprawl of Crunk music and its musical descendants (“Dans ta vraie vie”).  A surprising standout of the album is the unique and singularly soulful “Tue es beau”. Built around a sultry, repeating guitar lick and piano vamp, the song is the perfect backdrop for Yelle, as she seductively hangs on to every beat with cascading vocals and the skill and timing of your favorite rapper.  Overall, the album masterfully straddles the fence between pop profundity and classic French electronica.

Grade: B+    

Reviewed by Zach Best