Taking a moment to reset their direction and creative vision, Years & Years have returned as a solo project for lead vocalist Olly Alexander. ‘Night Call’ is a body of work that not only acts as a re-introduction but also cements the foundations for this bright and colourful new chapter. Saturated in electronic pop production and shimmery disco beats, this record is a love letter to the dancefloor that also simultaneously embraces his queer identity. Immediately drawing references to Scissor Sisters, MNEK and Dua Lipa, he collides these impeccable references with his early alt-pop roots, and finds his own spot in the light.
From the opening moments of ‘Consequences’ it’s immediately made aware that this record oozes with confidence. It’s the most assertive we’ve heard Olly as a vocalist to-date, and as the album continues he shares a versatile range in emotions and vocal delivery. Title track ‘Night Call’ is a glittery disco affair that reminds me of the ultra joy Scissor Sister’s discography gives me when listening. And all I can imagine is the pure euphoria this song is going to undoubtedly encapsulate during his live shows. The singles ‘Sooner Or Later’, ‘Sweet Talker’ and ‘Starstruck’ continue that campy pop exploration with the big singalong hooks that you’ve come to know and love over the past couple of months.
The sensual identity of ‘Intimacy’ shifts the tone of the album into this darker and sexually charged side filled with mystery. It’s the song you expect Olly to have the most fun on stage with through choreography and being able to tap into that seductive tone. “Give me it now, give me it, give me it right now” he echoes in the refrain. ’20 minutes’ follows that sensual sentiment with a lighter production. “In your arms, in the dark, there’s no sorry, no forgiving. Just twenty, twenty minutes” he sings. While songs like ‘See You Again’, ‘Make It Out Alive’ and ‘Immaculate’ find the perfect mix of darkness with the disco pop brightness to give listeners some in-between moments.
‘Night Call’ is a euphoric body of work that feels very needed right now. It’s a dancefloor album that you’ll be impatiently waiting to embrace in the way it’s designed to be experienced. It oozes with confidence from start to finish and celebrates being queer in the most beautiful way possible.
You can catch Years & Years this March at Summer Camp Festival alongside Big Freedia, Cub Sport, The Veronicas and so many more. https://summercampfestival.com.au/