It may have been three long years since New York City pop/dance act XELLE released their debut extended play, Queens, in 2012 and had every pop critic buzzing about their insane, possibly illegal, “Party Girl” music video, but thankfully the duo have made their triumphant return, continuing their plans for a future pop takeover.
Since their humble beginnings, the duo of JC Cassis and Rony Goffer have said goodbye to former third member, drag entertainer Mimi Imfurst, and released the politically-charged “Red Flag” and a reworked version of seductively sweet “Sweat”. The new singles, along with self-love anthem “Juicy”, all lead up to the recent release of XELLE‘s second official extended play Darkroom, featuring three brand new efforts, including the project’s official second single “Mr. Right Now“.
The second single finds the fearless women momentarily giving up on their search for the perfect Mr. Right, instead settling for a quick session in the sheets with the first boys they come into contact with at the local bar. On “Mr. Right Now“, the vocally talented women shout to the world that they are living their lives and making their own choices when it comes to men and sexual encounters.
“Rush of electricity, when I see the way you’re looking at me, floating in your fantasy, take me home tonight,” the duo belt before the repetitive, dance beat driven chorus of female empowerment comes through the speakers. Produced by frequent collaborator Zach Adam, the catchy, carefree bop is destined to stay lodged within your mind following the first listen. The radio-friendly effort stays true to XELLE’s brand of 80s-inspired, campy dance tunes that are both polished and entertaining.
To support “Mr. Right Now“, the playful duo have released an accompanying music video that shows JC and Rony enjoying a few drinks at the bar before taking a few, hunky guys back to their place for a harmless game of strip poker. With attention-grabbing hairstyles by drag icon Acid Betty and steamy scenes involving XELLE and their lucky suitors, the visual becomes a low-budget effort that still maintains a sense of sophistication and beauty as the girls ultimately steal the spotlight, even with the video’s alcohol-induced twist.
“Mr. Right Now” is a commendable release, especially for devoted fans who have followed XELLE since the start. With a straightforward, unapologetic pop sound, the single is a good representation of the parent EP. Now, let’s just get XELLE‘s full length debut album off the ground next.