Not Many Experts

What you are looking at is the cover “art” for Yuksek’s first full length, “Away From The Sea”. Considering the Frenchman has been around since 2002/2003, it’s been quite a wait. One that was worth it? Well… I was not completely optimistic about the album, in fact you may have noticed me being grumpy about the fact that there are no great electro albums anymore, but it was clear from first song “Break Ya”, that this album was something different. I was expecting 40 minutes of tired, recycled synths and some posturing vocalists á la Uffie, but the fidgeting drums that introduce this album set the scene for a consistently thoughtfully constructed record that amounts to 13 unmissable tracks. What seems to set Yuksek apart from his contemporaries is the diversity between his songs; unlike most dance/electro producers, he isn’t afraid of mixing a downright banger, like “Break Ya”, with the irresistible pop of “A Certain Life”, again contrasted to the slow burning funk of “So Down”, his collaboration with hype machine favourites Chromeo. All three songs are album highlights, but are just the tip of 51 minutes packed with anything ranging from songs that are likely to convince you that “Away From The Sea” is the new “Discovery” to disco throwbacks that are curiously reminiscent of Hercules & Love Affair.

All of my complaining seems to have paid off then – it’s been a while, but I’ve finally found a great electro album again. Indeed, at the time of writing, MSTRKRFT’s sophomore effort “Fist of God” is 95% downloaded and Simian Mobile Disco debuted new track “Synthesise” on YouTube a couple of days ago, hinting at a new album in the works. I am starting to get unbelievably excited about 2009; someone just needs to tell Justice that if they want to keep their “best electro album” crown, they had better get in the studio.

Yuksek – Break Ya

Yuksek – A Certain Life

Yuksek – So Down (Featuring Chromeo)

(Using another new host – hopefully this one will work!!)