This is the second album from the electronica/dance/hip hop duo Pee Thug and Dave 1, aka Chromeo, following up on their debut album She's In Control some 3 years ago. I missed that one, so Fancy Footwork is all new to me.
Right off the bat one word springs to mind to describe this album – funky. It's the mix of bass tracks and dance beats, which is extremely catchy and upbeat. The title track Fancy Footwork is especially strong in this way having energy to spare but retaining a clear tune throughout. It's not all typical dance floor fare however. Bonafied Lovin' has a more disco feel, while the final track 100% displays clear jazz influences through some saxophone licks to name just two examples. Clearly this is duo who trades on their mix up of styles, but these days who doesn't? Everyone and their dog is trying to combine existing styles into something new, and not always successfully. Chromeo however are getting away with it here, and in some places it really raises a smile. Indeed very few of the tracks on Fancy Footwork feel skippable, and on the whole I'd say this album would make a solid soundtrack to a night out.
Chromeo's strongest suit with this album seems to be the breadth of their appeal. There's enough dance, funk, soul and all manner of other musical styles in here to interest just about anyone. I'm by no means a fan of any of those genres per se, and yet I've thoroughly enjoyed this album. Highlights for me were Fancy Footwork, Call Me Up and 100%. Given the unusual style of this group I'd recommend previewing a few tracks on iTunes or something before parting with your cash, but unless you're a humourless empty shell of a person you're bound to find something here to make your foot tap.
Fancy Footwork is out now.
http://www.myspace.com/chromeo
