France is on fire! Between the Institubes, Arcade Mode, Ed Banger and, of course, Kitsune labels, FR easily has the strongest collective dance music section in the world. Kitsune's third comp in their Maison series does nothing to disprove that theory, full as always with brand new tracks and the best from their recent 12" releases. There are some really strong players emerging out of the Kitsune stable - folks like Simian Mobile Disco (who you undoubtedly know from Kanye West's favorite video) and Fox N Wolf really shine here with the NIN-gone-disco vibes on "I Believe(1)" and sickeningly sweet twee singalong on "Youth Alcoholic(2)," respectively. Suddenly high-profile remixer Boys Noize has a new original production here with the Daft Punk homage "Feel Good(3)," and Oh No! Oh My! are a really interesting hybrid of frantic beats, folky acoustic guitars and vaguely disillusioned-yet-passionate, Joy Division-ish vocals on "I Love You All The Time(4)." Kitsune strays from their norm a few times here with really decent results; case in point, The Lovely Feathers' "Frantic(5)," which sounds like the lead singer from Clinic replacing Pete Doherty in The Libertines. No, in a good way. 14 tracks; 60+ minutes.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red