MSTRKRFT - The Looks

MSTRKRFT emerges from the rubble of Death From Above 1979 (rest their souls), and is as stripped down and single minded as their name suggests. They don't even have time for vowels. Like the dispensing of cheap metals during the creation of alloy, MSTRKRFT has melted down all the fat from its name, and become steel. A crowd of consonants. Is this a good thing? My vote is... mostly.

The initial success of MSTRKRFT came out of their glorious remixes, and I think that is a very important factor. Jesse Keeler and Al-P are masters of finding the dance beat in existing songs. Take one listen to their mix of Wolfmother's "Woman," and you will never listen to the original track again. The only potential problem with remixes, are they are given a complete (and successful) song structure as their base. What happens when there is only the drone of computer fans and fluorescent lighting? The Looks happens. A free-for-all of catchy beats and gorgeous production that can't always find a home.

I'm not really a dance music guy. I usually stay out of the techno-tribal section of Tower Records (back in the day when they paid their bills), but The Looks is too much fun to resist. It's club music that knows it's club music, and loves that fact. While the exit of Death From Above has been keeping me down for the last week, the fact that Jesse always wanted to make dance albums immediately cheers me up.

If you are new to MSTRKRFT, I would start with "Easy Love." The infectious electro pop will usher you into the world of The Looks. Once there, push play on "Paris" and enjoy the ride.

[mp3] MSTRKRFT - Paris
[mp3] MSTRKRFT - Easy Love

buy the record here