Words by Matt Abramson
Sex With Strangers - Tokyo Steel (2009)
Here's the thing. Why do people make a huge fucking deal out of sub par acts like The Big Pink and M.I.A. (face it - that album is good for half a dozen spins, tops) when Sex With Strangers is doing the same thing a hundred times better?! It drives me fucking crazy. It's why I avoid a lot of these pop records. Oh, and because they suck.
I've really been screwing the pooch on writing this god damn record review. Usually, this is not an issue. Usually, though, I am talking about gnarly metal records. And 'Tokyo Steel' is anything but. Holy shit I love it though! Despite the slightly haggard appearance and often questionable demeanor I do love a good electro-pop record. I try not to like it, but I squirm and smile and provide the occasional backing vocal.
Frankly, following Sex With Strangers' appearance at Your Village Sucks! fest, I have not been able to stop listening to 'Tokyo Steel'. It is an amazingly fresh spin on familiar electronic themes executed so precisely that I have to argue this is the best sounding album I have heard this year. Hell, my inner audiophile is still spanking it in the next room as I type this.
Right from the album-opening title track, SWS grabs your attention and does not let go. The tandem of vocalists Hatch Benedict and Isabelle Dunlop not only work well together, they both can sing their asses off. The electronics don't just compliment the actual song and the other instruments, they are the catalyst for a pure sonic party. There is also a sprinkling of shorter, more ambient tracks which help the album flow from one great dance tune to the next. Make no mistake, though - if you aren't at least thinking about having a spontaneous dance party while listening to "We Want the Fire" or "Sharpen the Knife" then I suggest you check your pulse. Or join a convent or monastery, whichever applies.
Sex With Strangers - Tokyo Steel (2009)
Here's the thing. Why do people make a huge fucking deal out of sub par acts like The Big Pink and M.I.A. (face it - that album is good for half a dozen spins, tops) when Sex With Strangers is doing the same thing a hundred times better?! It drives me fucking crazy. It's why I avoid a lot of these pop records. Oh, and because they suck.
I've really been screwing the pooch on writing this god damn record review. Usually, this is not an issue. Usually, though, I am talking about gnarly metal records. And 'Tokyo Steel' is anything but. Holy shit I love it though! Despite the slightly haggard appearance and often questionable demeanor I do love a good electro-pop record. I try not to like it, but I squirm and smile and provide the occasional backing vocal.
Frankly, following Sex With Strangers' appearance at Your Village Sucks! fest, I have not been able to stop listening to 'Tokyo Steel'. It is an amazingly fresh spin on familiar electronic themes executed so precisely that I have to argue this is the best sounding album I have heard this year. Hell, my inner audiophile is still spanking it in the next room as I type this.
Right from the album-opening title track, SWS grabs your attention and does not let go. The tandem of vocalists Hatch Benedict and Isabelle Dunlop not only work well together, they both can sing their asses off. The electronics don't just compliment the actual song and the other instruments, they are the catalyst for a pure sonic party. There is also a sprinkling of shorter, more ambient tracks which help the album flow from one great dance tune to the next. Make no mistake, though - if you aren't at least thinking about having a spontaneous dance party while listening to "We Want the Fire" or "Sharpen the Knife" then I suggest you check your pulse. Or join a convent or monastery, whichever applies.
