After discovering most of Bananarama's catalog around the time of Ultraviolet's release, I became an immediate fan. So needless to say, my dead hope for a new album was rewarded with the privilege of reviewing the girls' newest offering in nine years, Drama. (Unfortunately, it is not rumored to release domestically anytime soon.) Drama, though not as strong as the aforementioned Ultraviolet, doesn't disappoint. Most tracks are produced by Korpi & BlackCell or (onetime Trouser Enthusiast) Ian Masterson & Terry Ronald, who deliver the tight, layered vocals and crisp, hooky sound we've come to love and demand from Bananarama.
"Move in my Direction" is a strong dance number that is worthy of being the first single. "Frequency"'s dark melody is girded by a dance/pop sound with rock underpinnings. Pulsing synth and a staccato vocal melody make "Lovebite" another favorite. "Your Love is Like a Drug" is another solid dance cut, worthy of single status; however, "Feel For You" is the album's most stimulating track.
It's a crank-it-up big beat kicker from the first second with a verse melody reminiscent of the hit 80s song "Obsession." The balance of the record is peppered with tracks ranging from disco and salsa to electro-pop, a la Erasure.
Two remixes close the album. "Venus (Marc Almond's Hi-NRG Showgirls Mix)" uses all the vocals of the original and sports a buzzy bassline and some fresh sounds (not to omit the ubiquitous, yet tweaked, clap) to make for a tech-tronic feel overall. The rare track "Really Saying Something" is an improvement over the dated, idiosyncratic, hurky-jerky original song with its driving dancefloor sheen and pensive guitar interludes-- a great choice for a remix.