Friendly Fires/Various – Suck My Deck review

Since the inaugural Suck My Deck mix from Ivan Smagghe back in 2004, esteemed clubbing institution Bugged Out have made sure the right people are involved. Subsequent mixes from the likes of Damian Lazarus, Simian Mobile Disco and most recently Brodinski demonstrate this ethos. Having curated a Bugged Out event last year, it was clear to Johnno Burgess et al that Friendly Fires were suitable candidates. Indeed, the St Albans trio are perhaps the sole exception to the rule that a barge pole should separate bands and DJ mixing equipment at all times. Drummer Jack Savidge was a DJ long before the band shot to fame in 2008 with their eponymous self titled album. And it shows on this mix which flows nicely throughout, touching on different genres and mixing up classics with more recent productions. From the vintage electro pulse of Egyptian Lover through to the bands collaboration with Azari & III, there’s a decidedly pleasant disco bump to proceedings with inclusions from Bot’Ox, Tom Trago, Lindstrom & Christabelle (in remixed-by-Aeroplane form) and Munk. “Stay Here” the aforementioned partnership with Toronto’ finest acts as the mid point anchor into a rawer sound that plays out the album in fine style with the hypnotic throb of Butch’s “No Worries” next to a classic slice of Kranz.

Tony Poland