Duran Duran
"Paper Gods"

Perennial new wave poster boys Duran Duran stay relevant splashing into today’s pop music backed by old reliable Chic’s Nile Rodgers plus a posse of collaborators from producer Mark Ronson to soul star Jannelle and former Chili Pepper John Frusciante. The overall effect is ‘80s nostalgia getting bumped up to present-day mash-up of post-new wave sounds and beat.

The original gang of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, , and Roger Taylor are back for their 14th release and their first since 2011. Given the looming presence of Nile Rodgers as player and producer, funk-laced disco sets the tone for" Paper Gods."

David Bowie circa “Let’s Dance” and the band’s own “Notorious (c. 1986) are major reference points although it must be said that disco hysteria never left the scene having had its most recent resuscitation in the electro of The Strokes and The Killers. What’s new with Duran Duran this time around is plugging into EDM. Conceptually, it’s an iffy proposition until you listen to “Last Night In The City” in which EDM, streetbeat and ‘70s disco do a blistering re-connection.

The ballads “What Are The Chances?” and “The Universe Alone,” are just as enjoyable bearing the imprint of their 1992 hit, “Ordinary World.” These slow songs also reveal a mature perspective on life and love.

In the upbeat “Sunset Garage”, Simon Le Bon claims, “Whatever happens, we’re still here.” They’re really back high on ‘80s charisma and post-new wave dazzle.

Courtesy ABS/CBN News