- Last year was a big one for fans of the so-called 'Electroclash' sound, with the now sadly defunct City Rockers label leading the way. The two 'Futurism' comps were excellent and critically lauded, and now Kickin' step on the train to offer a counterpart. But what does New Wave mean I wonder?
Whatever, it's a good and varied selection of electronica, bravely kicking off with Fischerspooner's 'Emerge' and ending with Morgan Geist's excellent version of The Rapture's 'House Of Jealous Lovers'. In between lie eleven cuts that betray influences from as far afield as The Human League, Joy Division and Frank Sinatra. Playing the part of ol' blue eyes is Louie Austen, but I found myself wishing for the more quirky Matthew Herbert mix rather than the one here. Felix Da Housecat's string-laden 'Silver Screen Shower Scene' is here, in the best guise possible thanks to Jacques Lu Cont, and there's the fine 'Disco Dancer' from Star You Star Me, soon to be released on Slip 'n' Slide Blue.
Occasionally the momentum lags, most notably in the middle of the mix, but the sum of the parts is still enough to make this a collection worth hearing.