Almost any sequel, and especially one so cleanly and clinically produced, would have suffered by comparison with the easy brilliance of Electronic's debut. I prefer to see `Raise The Pressure' as very superior electro-pop in its own right, a fine set of songs, and a full measure of Marr & Sumner's unique style of upbeat, melodic melancholy.
The guitar-based numbers, from the excellent opener `Forbidden City' onwards, blend seamlessly with the less `credible' (given the unfortunate predominance of fashion in electronic music) but even more enjoyable synth-led tracks. `Dark Angel', `If You've Got Love', `Until the end of time' and `Freefall' have the addictive quality of all good dance music; apparently revelling in their own deceptive shallowness, and perfectly complemented by Sumner's standard deadpan delivery and the superbly vacuous lyrics.
If you prefer your Electronic with a spikier, frazzled, Marrr-as-guitar-hero edge, then `Twisted Tenderness' is the preferred option. But the boys' ear for a good tune is rarely better showcased than here.