Electro House Recommendations June 2011

Review: The latest instalment in the Kitsune Maison series sees boutique Parisian shop and label Kitsune continue to edge away from the arms-raised nu-rave and eye-popping electro-disco of earlier editions. In their place is something altogether more pop-centric. So, we get an engaging mix of balls-out powerpop, wacked-out electro-rock, shiny synth-pop, jangly anthems, catchy future radio hits, nu-Italo and comforting MDMA-pop - largely from bands that all but the most dedicated hype machine readers will never heard of. With 16 tracks packed onto one disc, there's plenty to enjoy - not least the vintage Pet Shop Boys pomp of Exotica, and Logo X Icona Pop's blissful piano and strings groovery. If you're after your own portable indie disco, look no further.

Review: Putting aside all the grandiose claims that surround Beardyman ("international online phenomenon" and "viral video architect" are just two that pop up should you choose to investigate) it's pretty bewildering that the sounds which form "Where Does Your Mind Go?" are made entirely from one mouth, four Kaoss pads, looping devices and a sampler! Demonstrating a willingness to veer away from the beat boxers template, this new track is more obviously placed in Michael Mann budget electro house circles with undertones of dubstep drama for good effect. The track's dancefloor intricacies are explored more fully on the swathe of remixes that follow from such luminaries as Doorly, Nu:Tone, Dark Starr and JFB.