Georgia – Seeking Thrills

'When we started out I never believed it' is the first line Georgia sings on her new album. For an artist who has risen so astronomically since the release of her debut back in 2015, it’s hard to think of a more apt way to begin. The north-west Londoner’s whirlwind of success began with the track that line comes from, her new album’s first single, Started Out, which was catapulted to Radio 1’s A-list. Following it up with About Work the Dancefloor proved that feat was hardly a fluke – its tender, honest vocal performance ('I don’t have much in terms of money now / I don’t have material gifts for you') combined with its soaring hook was another hit. Though Georgia had already completed most of her latest record before this duo propelled her into the consciousness of a whole new fanbase, she took time to revise it in light of the singles’ success. The results don’t disappoint.

Started Out and About Work the Dancefloor front-load Seeking Thrills, which is heavily inspired by early-80s Chicago house and Detroit techno. It’s an album filled to the brim with dance touchstones but maintains a polished pop sheen. Although it’s shot through with strands of melancholy (the record follows Georgia’s emergence from a turbulent period of her life), as its name suggests, this is an album that provides an aural adrenaline rush, thrust forward by her characteristically propulsive drumming and sweeping synth flourishes.

It would be easy to think that such a flurry of energy would leave the listener feeling breathless. Yet, while it’s very easy to get swept up into the bluster of her effervescent dancefloor-fillers, Georgia doesn’t fall into the trap of becoming monotonous. Indeed, she liberally peppers the record with nods to her wide range of influences. Mellow, featuring singer and DJ Shygirl, is creeping, oddly sinister and bass-heavy, providing a stark contrast to the brightness surrounding it, while Ray Guns, which reproduces the percussive nature of Balinese gamelan, is a blast. Elsewhere, Ultimate Sailor is a sweet lullaby all of Georgia’s own.

As closer Honey Dripping Sky breaks down into a steady groove before finishing climactically with triumphant brass, it’s hard to resist instantly wanting to experience the ride all over again. Seeking Thrills is an album that delivers on its initial promise, proving that the upward trajectory Georgia currently finds herself on can only continue.

Listen to: About Work the Dancefloor, Ray Guns