Singles

Lightspeed Champion - Madame Van Damme

Tiffany Daniels 23/05/2010

Rating: 1/5

The success of Lightspeed Champion, a.k.a. Devonté Hynes, has always baffled me. Sure, he can hit a note and keep a tune, but the kind of music Dev currently focuses his attention on - that of pop, surf and acoustic - demands either an infectious melody or memorable lyrics that the listener can relate to. I know many of you will argue, “kill me, baby won't you kill me?” is relatable, but unfortunately pubescent wailing in its most simplistic form, from a popular 24-year-old man, does not impress me at all, far from cement in my memory. And that's exactly the kind of emotional drivel Hynes has become famed for.

For that reason I approached “Madame Van Damme” with more than a truckload of apprehension. Rightfully so - as with his back catalogue, the single is entirely devoid of the dry wit or wry British humour that may have salvaged a sense of accomplishment from an otherwise self-indulgent and, at times, cringe-worthy recording.

The song's bridge suggests, “Maybe if I keep singing [a failed relationship] will all just go away”; it's not negative feelings that need to go away.

Release Date: Out Now