The Pipettes: Earth Vs The Pipettes

They made polka-dot dresses the fashion item of choice a few years ago, and the music was pretty cool too; referencing girl groups from the late 50s.
 
You just had to love a group who opened their debut album with a track called “We are the Pipettes”, but their pop-career seemed over when two of the three girls left for solo careers.
 
The remaining singer, Gwenno Saunders has recruited her sister Ani to help with both vocals and with writing, and producer Martin Rushant has been tempted from his semi-retirement to add the magic touch he once gifted to the Stranglers, Shirley Bassey and most famously, 'Dare' by the Human League.
 
In the true tradition of manufactured pop, The Pipettes have now landed in a 70s disco, and the do-wop harmonies have been replaced by jangling Chic-like guitars, and Philly soul orchestrations.
 
How well it works depends on how you feel whenever Sister Sledge come on the radio. The track 'I Vibe U' is a perfect slice of retro-disco which would fool anyone into believing it was once a genuine hit. There's even a track called 'Our Love Was Saved By a Spaceman', which should be a hit just for the title alone. I'm wearing my Spandex leotard as I write.
Mark Perkins 

Rating
7/10