The Frixion - To Hell and Back (Digital)

Alongside their collaborative efforts, the duo recounts a genuine pedigree within the international electronic music scene; Gene having written with Bill Borez and Barry Ashworth, subsequently being embraced and championed by the ‘electro-pop/clash’ movement, co-writing and performing across Europe with the like of Chris Lake, S’Express and Calvertron amongst others, culminating in Gene’s 2015 solo album The Polaris Experiment which she co-produced with Bob Earland (Radiophonic Workshop, Clor). Meanwhile, Lloyd has produced and previously been a member of dark electro act Massive Ego, produced a solo project in the form of Polemic, and lent his production and remix skills to a wide range of acts including Stereo in Solo and Terminatryx.

The album title track and lead single To Hell and Back perfectly sums up the duo’s personal journeys since the release of their first two singles for AnalogueTrash, 2018’s What We Gonna Do? and Magic, the latter of which is reworked for inclusion on the album as are the classic tracks I Cannot Play These Games, If U Ever Wonder and Deceive a Believer, each showcasing duo’s broader, more evolved sound.

While personal events have certainly influenced the direction of the album, both Gene and Lloyd have been at pains to ensure the album is forward looking in both tone and musical evolution. The band are rightfully proud and excited to bring this album to existing Frixion fans and to those about to discover the duo for the first time.

It has at times seemed like it might not happen, but if ever the phrase triumph over adversity was apt to a musical endeavour, then here it is. Lloyd had this to say about the new album: “This album is the culmination of three very turbulent years. A period that saw massive changes in both our lives.”

He continues: “At times it was a real hard slog, but now we have it together it really is something quite special. It’s great to get everything we’ve done so far in one cohesive piece of work and it’s been brilliant going back to many of the older tracks, bringing elements that we learnt from playing them out live into the recordings. Working with Tim Dorney was great, I think he’s really given the album a consistent feel. It’s something that personally I’m extremely proud of.”

Gene is positive but equally reflective “I think what is so special about this release for me, besides obviously being well enough to do it - is the standard of song-writing and overall production we have achieved. I think also the theme very much resonates with how people around the world are feeling right now - I think we all feel like we have been to hell and back in one way or another this last year. I think To Hell and Back is a really emotive and powerful release, full of hope for the future.”

Speaking about the album itself, Gene says: “The songs all have a unique sound, a kind of life of their own and each stands out. I like that I can say there isn't a song on it I don't like myself, after so long with some of the songs that’s really saying something.”

She continues “This is definitely how we want to be heard, its shares a cumulation of life experiences, a lot of travel, some great live shows and a lot of determination - I think that energy really turns it into something quite epic, both personally and professionally."

Throughout the album Gene’s ardent vocals and percipient lyrics are matched and enhanced by Lloyd’s dazzling arrangement and production. From the heart-breaking Cry, Cry, Cry to the gloriously Prince-esque We Should Be Dancing there’s much to celebrate in the release of this record.