Karen O & Danger Mouse’ “Lux Prima”: a Surprising and Cosmic Affair

Karen O. Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX/Shutterstock (9955239m)

Lux Prima is the merging together of artists Karen O and Danger Mouse to create a surprising and cosmic affair.

As the lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, we’re used to watching Karen O bend over the stage shrieking punk lyrics to distorted guitars. This time round, the roaring anger and gimmicks are gone, leaving a gorgeous pop album which pulls you into a thoughtful dreamy state.

The opening titular track “Lux Prima” is a gentle introduction to the album and at nine minutes long, it’s more of a genre-bending ballad than your average pop song. Her voice is soothing and the overall feel is cosmic and atmospheric. We’re pulled into the stars and we want to stay there and let the music wash over for us.

“Ministry” starts off as if it is going to see Danger Mouse relapse into his hip hop phase but it’s just the beat he keeps. The track quickly ascends back into a Sparklehorse sort of affair and by the time the third track ‘Turn The Light” comes around, we realize just why this collaboration is one made in heaven.

Both artists have a history of meandering through different genres and the coming together of the two creative minds for Lux Prima is the coming together of a whole collection of musical styles. On the album, they weave through snippets of their musical past seamlessly and Karen O’s gorgeous vocals tie the whole thing together.

In “Woman”, Karen O’s voice is a little more familiar for fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. In fact, the whole track sounds a little like a more grown-up version of “Man”. Everything is more toned down but the attitude is still there. In the subsequent track “Redeemer”, we get another glimpse of sassy Karen O when she sings “You’re not coming for me / I’m coming for you.” She’s still a badass, she’s just a badass with eclectic talents and a new partner in crime.

Throughout the album, Danger Mouse’s production is quite literally flawless. Everything flows together perfectly and he plays with new technology to keep listeners on their toes. The album’s final tack ‘Nox Lumina’ is a Utopian sci-fi lullaby and by the time it comes around, we’re well away with the fairies.

Our final verdict? The Danger Mouse and Karen O collaboration has been a big success and Lux Prima is superb.

4.5/5