If Basement Jaxx have set any expectations for their audience it's that a) you can always expect their singles to be adrenaline-raising bangers filled with all sorts of exotic sounds that wouldn't necessarily fit in with your typical dance track, and b) guest vocalists that are the cream of the crop... or at least possess some unique quality.
Released with next to no promotion, Planet 1 is the latest work by Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe, the beginning of an EP series (followed up yesterday with Planet 2) that follows 2006's radio-themed Crazy Itch Radio. The song making the blog rounds is eye-opening to say the least, not just because it features flamboyant alt-folkie Dev Hynes (aka Lightspeed Champion) but because it appears the superstar producers appear to have taken a cue from his acoustic work.
"My Turn" fails to deliver that adrenaline rush we're used to feeling from the Jaxx. And I think that's why I love this song. Yes, "Romeo," "Red Alert" and "Oh My Gosh" never fail to get my blood pumping but I feel the guys need something like this to keep moving forward. Beginning with some pretty guitar work, it bursts into an elastic beat that while as bouncy as it gets, is pretty downbeat. Along with Hynes's confident vocals, which reinforce just how comfortable he is as a true songsmith Test Icicles is simply a flash in the pan now Ratcliffe and Buxton simply build their song around him, with some fluttering synths, a range of faint percussion and strings that never get too out of hand.
It's a perfect example of what Basement Jaxx can become with some restraint and a "less is more" approach. That's not to say I don't want them to come back with a massive circus anthem for their next single... with either Santogold or maybe Dolly Parton along for the ride.
Basement Jaxx feat. Dev Hynes "My Turn"
"My Turn" fails to deliver that adrenaline rush we're used to feeling from the Jaxx. And I think that's why I love this song. Yes, "Romeo," "Red Alert" and "Oh My Gosh" never fail to get my blood pumping but I feel the guys need something like this to keep moving forward. Beginning with some pretty guitar work, it bursts into an elastic beat that while as bouncy as it gets, is pretty downbeat. Along with Hynes's confident vocals, which reinforce just how comfortable he is as a true songsmith Test Icicles is simply a flash in the pan now Ratcliffe and Buxton simply build their song around him, with some fluttering synths, a range of faint percussion and strings that never get too out of hand.
It's a perfect example of what Basement Jaxx can become with some restraint and a "less is more" approach. That's not to say I don't want them to come back with a massive circus anthem for their next single... with either Santogold or maybe Dolly Parton along for the ride.
Basement Jaxx feat. Dev Hynes "My Turn"