Navaira

For his latest album, the artist formerly known as Ray Navarra went back to the 80s music he adores. Although the actual result is based as much in the hedonistic club sounds of now, the original inspiration remains.

Entirely was preceded by two singles, the New Order-circa-Republic pop of Might Be Sweet and the two step, KLF-sampling Deep Groove. The album kicks off with this pair of tracks, and any great pop long-player should start with the familiar sound of a single.

From Kraftwerk to Air, that distinctive sound of the European male vocal has lent itself to some of the most ethereal electronic pop. Navaira’s style is redolent of both acts, especially on the slower songs such as the gorgeous You Never Knew Me. Love Will Follow and The Source, meanwhile, would not have been out of place on an early Pet Shop Boys release.

Lyrically, there are songs dealing with Alzheimer’s, one based on a TV News story about escaped animals, as well as a track inspired by the Everton and Portgual footballer Abel Xavier (the one with outlandish blonde beard and hair who gave away a crucial penalty in the Euro 2000 semi-final).

The 12 tracks here are segued into one another, creating a seamless 45 minutes of sometimes introspective, sometimes euphoric, dance-pop. It’s the album where Navaira comes of age, fusing his sensibilities and influences to forge a commercial yet still unique sound.