Fixin To Thrill

Five years ago, when Dragonette released their first album in the UK, some of their songs barely made it on the charts, while others missed the mark altogether. In their home country of Canada, their album achieved much greater popularity, peaking at #57 on the Canadian Hot 100, while the band even received a Juno nomination for Best New group.

The electro pop sound was subtly making its mark on popular music, and Dragonette was a group quite ahead of the curve, exploring synth sounds in a way that marked the first decade after the millennium  as one progressively focused on “electronic “, club like sounds.

When asked if she believes Dragonette contributed to the genre’s growth in popularity, Dragonette lead singer Martina Sorbara laughs, humbly stating, “If someone told me that we were the pioneers of electro-pop in the UK it would make me feel really good. But I know that if we started from scratch now, it would be a different climate.”

Following the release of their initial album Galore, groups like MGMT, La Roux and Little Boots experienced astounding success, showing that it was simply a matter of timing, and groups like Dragonette would become world -wide hits.

The differences between the first and second album mark a change in directions in both life and music. Sporting a new boyish cropped cut, the sound and lead singer has taken on a notable edge. The recent music video for the title track, Fixin’ To Thrill is a departure from the tongue in cheek glamour of the bands original album, employing grittier themes and sounds.

“The second album is a more direct reflection of my life,” says Martina “I needed to get closer to my life for therapy.” Fixin’ to Thrill is a 12 track release combining heavier production and lyrics inspired by the events of Martina’s life since the advent of the band. The combination has resulted in a more masculine energy.

“I’m considered one of the guys. It’s a bit like a frat house” Sorbara relates. As the only female member of a five person band, it comes as no surprise to see the group, take on a more masculine vibe.

Collaborating with long time friend and director Wendy Morgan,  Sorbara was able to take her innermost thoughts and translate them to the screen for the Fixin’ To Thrill video. “I had this vision of waking up and pulling my clothes off and not being a person underneath, but more like a doll.” She states.

The video shows the progression of this party doll, from its awakening by neighbourhood children to a torch lit chase led by a mob of parents.

On the subject of what makes her nervous, Sorbara repeats the question to Dan Kurtz, her husband and Dragonette producer and bassist. “I guess giving a speech, which is a bit weird because I don’t mind getting up on stage.” Whatever her quirks off stage, Sorbara lays her fears aside and puts on a show that gets the crowd going.

A vixen on the stage with a purring voice, she commands a presence with femme fatale lyrics relating confidence. Having a good time and seeking a thrill become the primary focus, and Sorbara wants fans of the band to catch the fever. “Do what I want you to do, have a good time and dance.”

Adriana Sveen

Catch Dragonette at The Republik, March 19, 2010.

For more on Dragonette please visit http://www.dragonette.com/