I really wanted to like this album. Heartbreak's modern take on Italo disco has garnered rave reviews. Though the style is not particular originally it still had the potential for great things. Unfortunately I was terribly disappointed.

Perhaps it's the delicate nature of appreciating Italo, a warped utilitarian cousin of its American counterpart made out of initially of economic need. Due to an unfavourable exchange rate importing American albums became less appealing in the late 70s and early 80s. This led to a demand for locally produced music for Italian discothèques. Coinciding with the emergence of affordable synthesizers and drum machines the music created had a distinct mechanic style. These early experimentations found their way across the Atlantic to influence the formation of what would later become house and techno.

 

The problem with Lies is that Italo was revolutionary in its time; taken out of its historical context it becomes difficult to appreciate. The kitsch and occasionally primitive nature is endearing in its original incarnation but heartbreak's facsimile comes off as cold and overly calculated.

 

Over the last few years there have been several attempts to bring aspects of italo into this decade; like Padded Cell, Glass Candy, Chromatics, In Flagranti and even to some extent Cut Copy. These groups have all added something unique to the formula rather than copying verbatim like Heartbreak. It is also in the delivers where heartbreak falters. Lyrics like "Molly Ringwald is painting a rainbow" on Soul Transplant come off as overly gimmicky and ironic. This insincerity coupled with Sebastian Muravchik's grating vocals make for a difficult listen.  This is a real shame as the Ali Renault instrumentation is quite likeable with synth arpeggios and lush keyboard stabs. - Winston