Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers

Artist: Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers
Album: Relax…I Won’t Bite…unless you want me to?
Review by: Heath Andrews

There’s a thin line that separates the seductively sexy from the overtly trashy. Alexandra Legouix knows where that line is and with the backing of her band, The Sunflowers, she explores the limits of the seductive side without pushing it too far. Her lovely, slightly husky, intensely sultry voice would stand well on its own, but is instead paired up with some marvelously exotic Latin arrangements. These sounds match the sensual lyrics to form an EP that oozes musical talent as much as it oozes sex appeal.

Drawing inspiration from the song, “Whatever Lola Wants” from the musical Damn Yankees, Legouix & The Sunflowers begin with the aptly titled, “Lola.” Though each song features the same opening line, Legouix’s writing goes in a completely different direction lyrically and musically. This version describes a beautiful woman who goes completely unwanted by her man despite her efforts to entice him. As a result, she goes horribly unsatisfied and yearns to break away, “To a place of excitement and pure enticement/Naughty fun, cardinal sin.” The arrangement is very Latin in nature given its Spanish guitar sounds and artful use of the violin. Mention has to be made of Legouix’s co-writer and multi-instrumentalist, Martyn, “Nero” Ellis. Ellis is able to create wonderful arrangements with effective layering of keyboards in and around the other instrumentation. “Lola” is also included at the end of the EP in an extended mix, more than twice the length of the radio edit. This version goes ever further to highlight the structure Legouix and Ellis crafted for the track given how engaging it is for such an extended cut.

“Perfectly Entwined” follows suit by keeping up the Latin atmosphere but mixing up the instrumentation a bit. The keyboards are present in playing a synthesized string and xylophone type sound, while flourishes of the alto saxophone creep in to make the song sound more atmospheric. Legouix plays to the up-tempo pace by ripping through a lyric whose chorus quickly reads, “Get it on, we’re the same/Take a chance, play the game/It’s your life, who do you want to be…” This pace is due in no small part to the fantastic bass performance from Tony Dodd.

Opening with the sound of waves, “Jealousy” has a more relaxed, island atmosphere, bolstered yet again by the saxophone work of Lizzie Sambrook. In keeping with the laid-back tone, most of the performances are very subdued; even the guitar solo that Ellis offers up is methodical and understated, even though there’s undeniable passion in every note he plays. Also of note on this track is how Legouix explores her range, allowing her voice to ascend into higher notes during the chorus. She handles these sections beautifully, in a tone that could be described as a kind of breathless tease.

The last song, (outside of the extended mix of “Lola”) “Time To Go (Berlin Babylon)” mixes up the sound further by swapping out the previously heard instruments for piano and accordion. It’s another unique twist that thematically works with the songs prior, but still sounds different enough to be engaging. The accordion is mostly used for atmosphere while the brief but bouncy piano solos are perfectly suited for the energy and momentum carried in the arrangement and the lyric. Legouix sings about walking through Berlin, taking in the sights and constantly moving about. The fun little rap she includes near the end of the song is achingly poetic, describing where Berlin has come from over the last few decades and what the city means to the people who live there. It’s a serious moment amidst a playful sounding tune that fits in remarkably well.

Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers put forth an outstanding but far too brief EP with Relax…I Won’t Bite… Not counting the second version of Lola, there are really only four songs here, but each of them sizzle thanks largely to Legouix’s delivery but also in no small part to The Sunflowers. The use of various instruments from the violin to the saxophone to create and amplify a strong Latin sound is a strong asset to the EP and listeners will certainly enjoy it. The extended title states that Legouix won’t bite unless you want her to, but after a couple seconds into “Lola” her teeth are already there, and you won’t object to it either.

Review by: Heath Andrews
Rating: 4.5 Stars (out of 5)
- Heath Andrews

"These days it’s difficult to find something that isn’t completely synthesised on a computer, or recycled pop tunes. Due to this when I came across ‘Alexandra Legouix and the Sunflowers’, I found myself pleasantly surprised. This week I have found myself listening to music like Bob Marley and Otis Redding and was wandering where I could find something similar. Then as if in answer to my thoughts I found this group in the depths of my inbox... ... I believe that those with a more open mind will find this a pleasant change in direction from the mainstream music we currently have to listen to...this is a group that have found a style that suits themselves perfectly, and this will always be better than those who simply try to follow trends... if this is any indication the music scene in 2011 will be taking an interesting turn. A turn that I am greatly looking forward to. This is yet another band that I have come across that I will be following with great expectations... "
- Big In The Game

"Alexandra & the Sunflowers can proudly lay claim to delivering a sophisticated but accessible fusion of Latin, jazz, soul, reggae and pop influences. All are evident on their current EP, Let’s Go. The title track sets things rolling in fine fashion, featuring some funky percussion, Latin influenced guitar, a jazzy but breezy vibe and the disarming vocals of Alexandra – who really should win your heart. It’s an ambitious blend, but a deeply satisfying one – the sense of fun they obviously had in recording it, translating well to the listener. The Latin vibe is maintained on Balcony of Wonder, which drops the kind of sultry sax interludes and slinky beats that give off the aura of a cool breeze on a hot day. Lola, on the other hand, drops some fantastic, Cuban-style percussion (complete with maracas) and a playful vocal to match the teasing lyrics, and some subtle Spanish guitar licks. The remainder of the EP is similarly fun, flirty and impressive... an act to keep your eye on!"
- Indie London

"Alexandra possess a voice that oozes sex appeal, the sort of voice that'll bed you and then take your wallet as it walks out of your flat and nicks your neighbours milk on the way past. As an EP, it's worth buying to hear the high groove satire that she signs off the EP with, "Facebook" "
- Fatea Magazine

"These days it’s difficult to find something that isn’t completely synthesised on a computer, or recycled pop tunes. Due to this when I came across ‘Alexandra Legouix and the Sunflowers’, I found myself pleasantly surprised. This week I have found myself listening to music like Bob Marley and Otis Redding and was wandering where I could find something similar. Then as if in answer to my thoughts I found this group in the depths of my inbox... ... I believe that those with a more open mind will find this a pleasant change in direction from the mainstream music we currently have to listen to...this is a group that have found a style that suits themselves perfectly, and this will always be better than those who simply try to follow trends... if this is any indication the music scene in 2011 will be taking an interesting turn. A turn that I am greatly looking forward to. This is yet another band that I have come across that I will be following with great expectations... "
- Steve, Big In The Game blog (Dec 06, 2010) - Big In The Game

Alexandra Legouix And The Sunflowers can proudly lay claim to delivering a sophisticated but accessible fusion of Latin, jazz, soul, reggae and pop influences. All are evident on their current EP, Let’s Go. Title track and lead single Let’s Go sets things rolling in fine fashion, featuring some funky percussion, Latin influenced guitar, a jazzy but breezy vibe and the disarming vocals of Alexandra – who really should win your heart. It’s an ambitious blend, but a deeply satisfying one – the sense of fun they obviously had in recording it, translating well to the listener. The Latin vibe is maintained over Balcony of Wonders, which drops the kind of sultry sax interludes and slinky beats that give off the aura of a cool breeze on a hot day. Lola, on the other hand, drops some fantastic, Cuban-style percussion (complete with maracas) and a playful vocal to match the teasing lyrics, and some subtle Spanish guitar licks. The remainder of the EP is similarly fun, flirty and impressive – thereby confirming Alexandra Legouix & The Sunflowers as an act to keep your eye on!
Available as a download
Rating: 4 out of 5 - Indie London

Some recent reviews:

"Excellent… a force to be reckoned with" Shane Daunt, Black & White Music productions, BBC Introducing judge, 2010

"A future star… set for Hollywood's Walk of Fame" Wokingham Times

"Alexandra's voice delivers… she emanates songwriting skill … excellent" Review by Pruneau

"They are obviously good songs ... this cheeky songstress is very easy to listen to and it's a great band - great guitar work too! Good luck with it! " Lori

"I've only listened on headphones but so far… so frickin' awesome! I absolutely love that Latin, but not Latin, kinda Parisian sound. Really well recorded and a brilliant singer too. Most impressive. I'd love to see this live. Brilliant." T Lord - Various

"Now to 2010. Only in February and already Alexandra has had good news. Last month Alexandra won ‘BBC Introducing’ with her track ‘Drawing Me’. “BBC Introducing is the brand for new music programmes across the BBC showcasing unsigned, self signed and other emerging musical talent primarily from the UK”. This puts Alexandra in the running to be chosen to play on the BBC Introducing stage at major festivals such as Reading, Glastonbury and the like - a major success that has provoked more interest from industry majors. Production and writing team, Red Rhythm - who have worked with artists like Ashanti, Aaliyah, Sting, Liberty X, Run DMC, Sean Paul, Leona Lewis, and are currently in collaboration with Pussycat Dolls own and ‘Got to Dance’ judge, Kimberly Wyatt – are keen to get Alexandra into the studio to write new tracks and have shown a massive support for her and her future career."
- Talentscene (Apr 01, 2010)

"Alexandra Legouix is dreaming of Glastonbury call up in 2010 after winning a BBC Introducing award."
- John Balson, Maidenhead Advertiser (Mar 19, 2010) - Maidenhead Advertiser