Joe Goddard has put years of his experience in Hot Chip into making his debut solo album, a record which is pleasant, but doesn’t introduce anything new from the artist. On Electric Lines, influences from both contemporary and older electronic music, as well as tropical house, can be heard, while Goddard takes the listener through a smooth, yet ultimately unexciting set of songs.

The opening track, ‘Ordinary Madness’, welcomes the audience with melodic vocals, which are embedded in a serene ambience, while soulful ‘Home’, arguably the best track on the record, brings back the ‘70s with a sample from Brainstorm’s song, ‘We’re On Our Way Home’. Moments of sadness and melancholy can be found on ‘Nothing Moves’, however, song such as ‘Human Heart’ and ‘Music Is The Answer’ repeat the same formula and contribute to the monotones on Electric Lines.

Even though Goddard didn’t manage to produce the most exciting or original record of the year, Electric Lines is a quality album, which shows off the artist’s skills, passion, and dedication to his music. At the same time, Goddard’s intention was to take the album to clubs and dance floors, where the audience can really appreciate the power of electronic music, and experience it in its full spectrum. It isn’t hard to believe that this is where the record’s highlights will sound best and become a much more engaging and satisfying experience. Electric Lines will definitely satisfy house and dance music fans; however, those who look for an album which will introduce them to the genres, should probably look somewhere else. (6/10) (Alicja Rutkowska)

Listen to Electric Lines here via Spotify, and tell us what you think below!