Quicksand (La Roux song)

La Roux

Industry	Music
Founded	2008
Founder	Elly Jackson, Ben Langmaid
Products	Music (synth-pop)

Quicksand marks the debut single from the English synth-pop pair La Roux, unveiled on 15 December 2008 through Kitsuné. It served as the leading track from their self-titled first album released in 2009. Crafted and produced by duo members Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid, the song achieved modest chart success, reaching only number 153 on the UK Singles Chart during its initial limited distribution. When reissued on 23 November 2009, it reappeared on the chart, climbing to number 129.

Song information

Jackson explained to The London Paper that the track encapsulates "an intense moment with someone... when both of you are yearning for the other, and it's almost painful to sit next to them."

Critical reception

"Quicksand" was met with widespread critical praise. Nick Levine of Digital Spy commended its fusion of pop savvy, romantic fixation, and production that merges '82 era influences with contemporary energy. Alexis Petridis from The Guardian emphasized its innovative use of minimalist dynamics paired with piercing synthesizer elements. In The Times, Peter Paphides described it as "superb," drawing parallels between its melody and Prince’s "When Doves Cry," while highlighting Jackson’s nuanced depiction of a complicated romantic situation.

John Murphy at musicOMH labeled the song "instantly addictive and catchy," underscoring its emotional resonance beyond typical electro offerings. Heather Phares of AllMusic noted its precise structure and Jackson’s cool vocal delivery bring intensity to the theme of obsession. Meanwhile, Luke Turner from NME characterized it as "liquid-mercury-smooth but pierced by sharp vocals."

Music video

Directed by Kinga Burza, the music video for "Quicksand" premiered on YouTube on 13 January 2009. It features Jackson performing on a tropical island during sunset, accompanied by dancing women and a parrot perched on her shoulder, with much of the footage focusing on her singing against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Original release

• French 12-inch single

A1. "Quicksand" (Original) – 3:07

A2. "Quicksand" (AutoKratz Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:44

B1. "Quicksand" (Beni's Sinking at 1.56 Mix) – 4:20

B2. "Quicksand" (Chateau Marmont Remix) – 3:34

• French digital EP

1. "Quicksand" – 3:07
2. "Quicksand" (AutoKratz Drags to Riches Mix) – 4:42
3. "Quicksand" (Beni's Sinking at 1.56 Mix) – 4:18
4. "Quicksand" (Chateau Marmont Remix) – 3:32
5. "Quicksand" (Joe and Will Ask? Remix) – 5:01

• UK digital single

1. "Quicksand" (Standard Version) – 3:05

• US EP and digital EP

1. "Quicksand" (Original Version) – 3:06
2. "Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:07
3. "In for the Kill" (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix) – 5:02

• US 12-inch single

A1. "Quicksand" – 3:08

A2. "Quicksand" (Mad Decent Mix No. 1) – 5:10

A3. "Quicksand" (Instrumental) – 3:08

B1. "In for the Kill" (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix) – 5:04

B2. "In for the Kill" (Instrumental) – 4:08

Re-release

• UK CD single

1. "Quicksand" – 3:07
2. "Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
3. "Quicksand" (Beni's Sinking at 1.56 Mix) – 4:19

• UK limited-edition 7-inch single

A. "Quicksand" - 3:07

• UK digital EP

1. "Quicksand" – 3:07
2. "Quicksand" (Boy 8 Bit Remix) – 5:58
3. "Quicksand" (Alex Metric Remix) – 6:26
4. "Quicksand" (Mad Decent Remix No. 1) – 5:12

Credits and personnel

Information sourced from the liner notes of La Roux.

Recording and management

• Tracking completed at Elfin Studios, located in Teddington, London
• Mixing carried out at Mr Dan's studio in London
• Published under Big Life Music Ltd.

Personnel

• Elly Jackson – lead vocals, production duties
• Ben Langmaid – co-producer
• Dan Carey – responsible for mixing

Charts

Template:Single chart

Chart (2009)	Highest position
UK Singles (OCC)	129

Release history

Territory	Release date	Format(s)	Record label
Initial release
France	15 December 2008	12-inch single, digital EP	Kitsuné
United States	14 April 2009	EP, digital EP	Cherrytree, Interscope
	9 June 2009	12-inch single	Cherrytree, Interscope
United Kingdom	2 July 2009	Digital single	Polydor
Reissue
United Kingdom	22 November 2009	Digital EP	Polydor
	23 November 2009	CD single, 7-inch single	Polydor