DJ-Kicks (CD - 2005)

Mo Becha and David Fouqaert, better known as the Glimmers, have put together a dynamite dance mix with this edition of the DJ-KICKS series. The Belgian duo moves freely across the boundaries of IDM, post-punk, New Wave, soul, house, and disco, with a particular emphasis on the latter two. In fact, there is a glitter-ball, flashing-strobe vibe to the entire album--the Glimmers are committed to the shiny textures and four-on-the-floor beats of disco and acid house. But their treatments are adventurous, textured, and challenging, putting their music a full cut above most contemporary dance.

The album's 18 tracks are mixed immaculately, with one song blending seamlessly into the next to create a unified play list. Sometimes the disco atmosphere takes over (as on Kerri Chandler's "Disko Satisfaction") or yields reign to dub (Two Lone Swordsmen's "Feast Dub") and Kraftwerk-inspired robotic funk (Bis's "Shack Up"). Just as often the Glimmers mix genres gleefully, showcasing house beats with hip-hop rhymes (Deepstate II's "Everybody Get Down") and post-punk arrangements with gritty soul (The Lotterboys' "Heroine"). In short, the Glimmers prove that dance music can still be mixed with innovation and sophistication, while never failing to fuel the party. minimize