Everything But The Girl, Fuse Review

Everything But The Girl is an electronic duo comprised of singer-songwriter-musicians Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt. After a twenty-four-year hiatus, they are dropping their new album called Fuse. Can you even?! Fuse has ten tracks that totally bring back that shiny electronic soul vibe they were rocking in the 90s but with a fresh twist. Tracey Thorn’s gorgeously textured voice still takes center stage in Ben Watt’s dreamy soundscapes, filled with deep bass, crisp beats, hazy synths, and just enough space to breathe. Honestly, they’ve nailed that timeless yet modern sound, and I am here for it, for the most part.

“Nothing Left To Lose” has Tracey’s warm sensual vocals floating over a rich tapestry of drums and synths. The song evolves with rhythmic wobbles and swelling synth patterns with a rich layering of parts and ideas. Everything But The Girl has always had a strong handle on balance, and “Nothing Left To Lose” perfectly shows that the song has moments of much activity and a more relaxed section for contrast.

“Time and Time Again” features Tracey and Ben singing over an electro-pop beat that’s honestly a bit generic. The hi-hat beat is basic, and the drum pattern and sound don’t stand out. The synths and vocal samples are decent, but the only real highlight is Tracey’s voice, which is still undeniably strong.

Fuse keeps Everything But The Girl’s connection to the dance floor alive but in a more downtempo allure. Overall, the album is very mellow in nature. Indeed, mellow to the point of being somewhat dull, the dreamy sounds floating through the tracks fail to make a lasting impression. These impressionistic sounds that swirl through Fuse will send mind-numbing waves to lull you into the zone. Are they a warm hug for your brain? No, more like a wave and a smile. However, Tracey’s stunning vocals steal the show on every single track.

Everything But The Girl: Website