Razorlight - 'Sugar High'
Back like they never left and evidently progressing, Razorlights’ new track “Sugar High” is a trip back to the early 2000s.
Razorlight require absolutely no introduction; the band that brought the world esteemed classics like “Razorlight” and “Up All Night” has returned after their last release in 2024, “Planet Nowhere,” to bless our ears yet again with an all new shockwave of charisma powered by a creative blend of nostalgia and funky chords. “Sugar High” is an excellent mix of their classic and refined sound, beautifully coupled with a new tone and some exemplary experimentation, particularly with their phrasing and layering behind the production desk. Razorlight combine the deep and rich knowledge of frontman Johnny Borrell and fuse it together with the production powerhouse George Murphy; this clash of styles layers the production with deep, well-crafted lines for each section of the band. Guitarist Bjorn Agren is clearly testing new waters with tones rooted in some slightly heavier bands from an era before their heyday, and it works wonderfully. This experimentation with tones allows the band to breathe new life into an age-old formula, and I’m continually impressed by how they manage to keep the party bumping as they level up their craftsmanship with each new release.
Having had an impressively busy summer, Razorlight have sharpened their tools at the grindstone more than ever; not only are they tenacious and tight in the studio, but they are also able to translate this perfectly to their live shows. Touring on the back of the critical acclaim of “Planet Nowhere”, they brandished their plethora of absolute bangers in outdoor and indoor venues across the country this summer. I was lucky enough to witness “Sugar High” at Caldicot prior to its release, and I was nothing short of astonished. Razorlight possess this ability to craft a ball of energy that disperses from their instruments and through the crowd to create a visceral experience, and ‘Sugar High’ did just that. It’s not common for a band to evoke the same reaction and enthusiasm with a new song as they do with their hits, but the energy never wavered. The sheer charisma of Johnny Borrell kept every single man, woman, and child in that crowd transfixed on him, and it’s reassuring to know that the energy is reciprocated in the studio version of this track, managing to create something truly special.
I am just as excited to sit and follow every new single and step forward this band produces as I am to sit and reminisce about the glory days of albums like “Up All Night.” Longevity is scarce in the genre if you aren’t a megastar, and it’s safe to say that Razorlight does not care what stage of the journey you joined them; they’re just happy you’re along for the ride. Sugar High creates a truly perfect blend of the new and old guard, and it’s every reason why you should love this band. Whether it’s “Golden Touch” or “Sugar High” that keeps you coming back, do yourself a favour and make sure you keep coming back, as there is plenty more to be enjoyed from the London four.
Words by Josh Pook
