TURNTABLE LAB

Bumblebeez
Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill Digi-LP

aussie rock duo with chunky hiphop beats

It feels like The Bumblebeez (aka Bumblebeez 81, but not to be confused with The Bees or Band of Bees) have been around forever, so I was surprised to find out that this album from late 2007 was actually their debut long player. So, if you're unfamiliar with the 'Beez, they're an Aussie brother/sister duo - f'realz, none of that White Stripes business - who make really unique cut-n-paste dancey rock with chunky beats and touches of what I guess some people would call hip-hop. (The music is solid; female MC Vila's rapping, not so much.) And if you're into the technical side of things, this album was mixed by Zdar. Recommended tracks: "Dr. Love," "Rio," "Black Dirt," "Spaceships" and "The Game."
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Bumblebeez
Rio (Herve & Crookers Remixes) Digi-EP

infectious electro pop with big remixes

I've never been to Rio, but I bet it's a fun place. Beaches, bikinis, booty, boob jobs, baile funk... what more do you want? Australia's Bumblebeez obviously have a thing for the place and named their recent electro pop jammy after it. Rio is a hype lil' piece with a care-free party vibe, some beat boxin, and a ridiculously catchy hook. "I'm flying down to Rio" over and over - definitely "get-stuck- in-your-head" status right there. If that isn't hype enough for you, this release also includes the Crookers Bang Remix and a Herve Remix. Both mixes take that shit to level 10+. And since the people over at Modular are so generous, you also get hooked up with the Etienne De Crecy remix if techy is what your into.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco electro / top albums chart / dance+house / modular / and more

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Cut Copy
Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair & Aeroplane Remixes) Digi-EP

brilliant remixes and bonus tracks

The original version of "Far Away" was one of my favorites from the recent album. I like the uncluttered new wave sound, almost sounding like a demo from their first album. And you know that Modular puts together the best singles in the game with the most timely remixes. Check the perfectly curated Hercules & Love Affair remix and the wicked space disco version by Damn Arms. Bonus tracks? Hell yeah. Check slow disco masters Aeroplane remixing "Hearts On Fire" and the feelgood Knightlife Remix of "So Haunted." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

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new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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Cut Copy
Future (Chromeo & Zongamin Remixes) Digi-12

new to Cut Copy's synth-pop styles? start here

From the Avalanches, to AC/DC and especially to Kylie Minogue, Australian exports always manage to capture my man Roger Yamaha's heart. So when we got in this "Future" single by Melbourne's Cut Copy, it wasn't hard to guess who would be first in line to cop one. I can't blame him though. The quartet's slightly electro, synth-pop sound is incredibly catchy. They manage to subtly incorporate 80's production techniques while maintaining a sound that stays futuristic, thus avoiding the throwback label that many groups find themselves trying to escape these days. They further separate themselves from the pack by coming with lyrics that are interesting and a vocalist who can actually sing (as opposed to shriek), making an instrumental version unnecessary. To insure they get their point across they enlist three different groups/producers from three different countries for remix duties. The "Zongamin Remix" is the most appealing, finding its sound in the simplicity of late 70's dance-rock. If you're a fan of Chromeo's Cameo-laced funk you'll appreciate their remix; and the fellas from !!! (Chk Chk Chk) offer another viable option on their almost entirely instrumental version. With four mixes that go in four separate directions, this is a pretty easy one to cop.
reviewed by JMS

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new disco electro / new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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Cut Copy
Hearts On Fire (Calvin Harris, Midnight Juggernauts, Holy Ghost) Digi-EP

orig, synth-pop, electro-boogie and new disco versions

Second single from the In Ghost Colours album. In the usual Modular fashion, the track gets tricked out with remixes from currently on-fire producers. Tapping into current 80s trends, Calvin Harris goes retro-electro boogie on his version. Similarly the Midnight Juggernauts go 80s with a freestyle meets synth pop take. Lastly, for the straight dancefloor version, cut straight to Holy Ghost's (DFA) crispy new disco take. Strong set as usual for the Modular crew.
reviewed by mgmnt

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new rock / top albums chart / dfa + related / modular / and more

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Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours Digi-LP

anticipated 2nd album from Australia's top dance export

The term "highly anticipated" gets tossed around a lot, but it might actually be an understatement in the case of the new full-length from Cut Copy. This shit is already #1 on the Australian charts... okay, you probably only have to sell like 30 copies to top the said chart, but this is a great little record which quite a few people have been salivating for. "Little" isn't the right adjective actually, as Cut Copy (with help from DFA's Tim Goldsworthy on production) step up with some epic future/retro dance sounds - check the new version of "Hearts On Fire," the intense "So Haunted," "Nobody Lost, Nobody Found," album opener "Feel The Love" and the alternately jangly/squelchy disco jam "Lights & Music." 15 tracks, 50 minutes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Cut Copy
Lights & Music Digi-12

indie dance pop produced by 1/2 of DFA

On a recent research trip to Discogs, it was revealed that Cut Copy released their first record in 2000! Whoa! I had no idea they'd been doing it this long. This most recent single, produced by one half of the DFA production team (Tim Goldsworthy), sticks to the indie dance pop formula that has made them a name to check for in the past couple years. An infectious guitar and vocal hook make this as catchy a single as these guys have ever released. No meandering; this radio edit is focused and straight to the point. Superdiscount (aka Etienne de Crecy) takes the track and stetches it ouuut, giving it room to breath and get techy in the mix. While Boys Noize's remix is uncharacteristically understated this go around (sort of a nice change of pace to be honest). A real classy, Daft Punkian (think "Face To Face") interpolation for the German boy wonder who has definitely shown his diversity with this release.
reviewed by Rezound

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Cut Copy
Saturdays (Chromeo & !!! Remixes) Digi-12

more dancefloor heat from Melbourne's finest

Cut Copy was instantly popular with the remixes of "Future" that came out last year, and they've come back with more powerhouse remixes this time around. Kingroc and Headman bring us two hot remixes of "Saturday," each exceptionally unique in their own way. I'm betting most of you will want the Headman, but the Kingroc is not to be slept on either. Also available on this are the return Chromeo's hot remix of "Futures," as well as !!!'s remix.
reviewed by minimal man

file under:
new disco electro / new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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Eine Kleine Nacht Musik
Eine Kleine Nacht Musik (Riton) Digi-LP

the artist formerly known as Riton pays homage to Krautrock

If you're naming your musical project after a Mozart composition, you've got some work to do. Thankfully for Modular and their new signing, the brains behind Eine Kleine Nacht Musik is none other than Henry Smithson, aka Riton, who's been tearing up our little corner of the music world for the better part of the last four years with killer original electronic productions and countless remixes. This album finds Smithson in a different space, paying homage to the founding fathers of the Krautrock sound, groups like Tangerine Dream and Cluster. Check out tracks like "Feuerprobe," "Besuchen Sie Mich Einmal," "Gotterdammerung" and "Finster." Now, where's that Krautrock band with Riton + Soulwax?
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / modular /

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K.I.M.
Wet N Wild (Midnight Juggernauts Remix) Digi-12

LAB EARLY EXCLUSIVO from Modular!

K.I.M. (aka Kimberly Isaac Moyes, one-half of The Presets) returns with another loaded single for the seemingly unstoppable Aussie juggernaut that is the Modular label. "Wet N Wild" is nothing earth shattering as Daft-influenced vocoder electro goes, but K.I.M. manages to maintain enough of the Presets' exciting dynamics to keep things moving. Riot In Belgium try hard on their stripped down remix, but the pounding synths and crunchy guitars of the Midnight Juggernauts' remix win hands down here. Another remix of "Wet N Wild" from Donnie Sloan rounds this one out.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Ladyhawke
Ladyhawke Digi-LP

Australia's latest electro-pop wonder

Any artist who names themselves after a Matthew Broderick/Rutger Hauer fantasy vehicle is starting off on the right foot; Ladyhawke (aka Pip Brown) has taken the next step and created a debut record of burning 80s-influenced electro-pop (ie. that new Aussie/NZ sound). Brown's lovely laidback vocals anchor the album, but the production - like the climbing guitars on "Love Don't Live Here" and chuggling synths on opener "Magic" - lends it that strong new-vintage vibe. Not hard to see why everyone, from the Pitchforkers to the club kids, are digging on the 'Hawke. Also check single "Paris Is Burning," "Crazy World" and "My Delirium." 13 tracks.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Ladyhawke
Paris Is Burning (Cut Copy & Van She Remixes) Digi-EP

80s influenced electro-pop with big remixes

The wiggling Franco-tribute "Paris Is Burning" has been the standout bomb track from Ladyhawke's self-titled debut, and here it gets the remix look from a few of Pip Brown's Modular labelmates. Cut Copy put a percussion-heavy cosmic disco slant on, then Van She Tech flips it into a housey thumper. Also includes the French vocal version "Paris S'enflamme" and non-album tracks "Danny & Jenny" and "Back of the Van."
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Muscles
Sweaty (Juan Maclean Remix) Digi-12

seriously fun dance music from Australia

The one-man rave band prodigy from Melbourne is back at it with another single from his awesome Guns Babes Lemonade album. "Sweaty" is arguably one of the most fun tracks on a record full of fun tracks -- you know the one that's all "PEACE LOVE ECSTACY UNITY RESPECT!" with the congas and he sings about hugging? Yes, Muscles is good enough to make even that sound cool. Also included are the elastic bass-laced disco remix from Shazam and DFA's The Juan Maclean making things a bit darker with his hectic techno mix. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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top albums chart / dfa + related / modular / and more

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Soulwax
Nite Versions Digi-LP

classic new electro, includes hit "another excuse"

So awesome to get this on digital. I think after we've gotten over the whole new disco thing (then the rave thing, then trance thing, then amazingly back to indy rap thing), this is the album that's gonna stick out as the genre's classic. I haven't gotten sick of this album yet, which is a bit of a mini-miracle. Here's our original review: The Soulwax guys are pretty clever. With their new album people were expecting the duo's electro-dance juice. Instead the duo delivered a surprisingly good rock album that's been charting singles overseas. In another twist, shortly after the original release, they dropped this Nite Versions album which features club versions of the album tracks. The idea was inspired by The Human League's Love and Dancing album, the remix album that followed Dare. Following in line with the original expectations, this is exactly what people wanted in the first place: catchy, dirty dancefloor stuff. 10 tracks including the huge "NY Lipps," the DFA remix of "Another Excuse, Miserable Girl, E Talking," and "Krack." Not sure if this ever came out on vinyl either.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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Tame Impala
Tame Impala Digi-EP

amazing vintage sounding psych rock

Our favorite new Australian psych'sters begin their campaign on Modular after a great first outing for the Hole In The Sky label (look to the right for downloads). In addiiton to the previously released but still fantastic "Skeleton Tiger" and "Half Full Glass of Wine," the EP features three new tracks of hazy goodness to enjoy while high as hell, or possibly just on a nice drive. (Maybe both?) "Desire Be Desire Go" brims with a Eastern-influenced 60s vibe, and "41 Mosquitos Flying In Formation" has more of that low-end stomp and drive we're coming to expect from these gents. And that ain't a bad thing. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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The Presets
Apocalypso Digi-LP

deep dark electro rock from australia

The Presets continue to explore the deepest, darkest caverns of electro and rock on Apocalypso, their sophomore full-length for Modular. Along with the buzzsaw single "My People," the Sydney duo explore the housier side of things on tracks like "This Boy's In Love," get minimal with "Anywhere," rock out on "Eucalyptus" and even sound like they're having fun(!) on "Yippyo-Ay." (Really, how could you not have fun with a track named "Yippyo-Ay?" Sounds like they've been listening to Chromeo.) 11 tracks; 50 minutes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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The Presets
My People Digi-12

indie dance Aussies with remixes by D.I.M, Kris Menace, Mouse On Mars

I saw these guys at Winter Music Conference in 2006 and I wasn't impressed. It wasn&'t bad, just real average and unexciting. Whoa! It seems they have been plugging away down under and improved in the two areas they were lacking. Before they were too jammy and unrelenting, but this new cut, "My People" has a strong, concise pop sensibility and memorable melody. Definitely for a sweaty house party where people are crowd surfing and/or jumping around! Up and coming European electro-house producer and Boys Noize collaborator, D.I.M., reworks this jam in dirty fashion, with minor acid squiggles to accompany the crisp, quick drums. Kris Menace appears to be the newest producer in the Alan Braxe and Fred Falke stable of future legends, and this remix is in that vein but a bit harder because of the source material. It's traditionally house-y with long lush builds and punching drums. Lastly, we have long standing German duo, Mouse On Mars, who expectedly take the more esoteric route with a bubbling, high pitched vocal build and a bouncy beat complete with a bag of party favors randomly firing all over the track.
reviewed by Rezound

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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The Presets
Re-Sets Remixes Digi-LP

feat digitalism, simian mobile disco, cut copy, juan maclean

Woah - The Presets really called in the reenforcements for this one. The Aussies get remixed by just about every big name in dance music right now, including Simian Mobile Disco, Cut Copy, Digitalism, Midnight Juggernauts and the Juan Maclean. Fellow countrymen Van She lead things off with a ultra-dirty, distorted take on "Are You The One?," while SMD take it the new disco / Italo route with layer after layer of keys and FX. Cut Copy remake "Girl and the Sea" into a dark 80s electro-pop confection; meanwhile, DFA supastar The Juan Maclean sounds, you know, DFA-ish in his remix of "I Go Hard, I Go Home." Finally, we get three different versions of the Presets' album standout "Down Down Down" - a suitably scuzzy (French) remix from Digitalism, a total dancefloor killer from Midnight Juggernauts, and one from Bumblebeez. 8 tracks total.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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The Presets
Talk Like That Deluxe Digi-EP

includes alternate mix from Digitalism's Jence

This deluxe edition of our favorite evil Australian electro duo's latest single comes packing exclusive remixes not available anywhere else. In addition to the dark electro-rock of the original mix, we get the alternate "Happy Hardcore" remix from Digitalism's Jence (check the other digi-single for the equally great regular remix), a warm, synth drenched disco mix from CFCF and a buzzing dub from Dave Spoon.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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top albums chart / modular /

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The Presets
Talk Like That Digi-EP

dark electro-pop with killer dub remix

One of two new digi releases for the latest single off this Aussie duo's Apocalypso album. This version includes the dark, chugging electro-pop original mix, along with excellent remixes from Digitalism's Jence (love those synth build-ups) and Optimo (who get things real warm and dubbed out).
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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top albums chart / modular /

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The Presets
This Boy's In Love Digi-12

dark aussie electro with an 80s feel

"This Boy's In Love" is one of the more poppy moments on the Presets' Apocalypso full-length, albeit poppy in a very Presets fashion. The drums are still cold, the synths still sinister and chugging, but the lovesong lyrics and saccharine backup vocals give it a decidedly 80s slant. If the OG is a little too Depeche Mode for you, this single gives you options: there's a plonging minimal mix from Jori Hulkkonen, and a housey rework by remixer of the moment Lifelike.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
new disco electro / top albums chart / dance+house / modular / and more

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Van She
Van She Digi-EP

cool new wave on modular

Probably best known to Lab heads as the band behind the rock cover of Daft Punk's "Around The World," four-piece Aussie group Van She bring some truly original heat on this debut EP for Modular. To describe their sound as "new wave" or "retro" would probably give you the wrong idea - these guys aren't joking around, and their tracks are so spot-on that if it weren't for the flawless production, you'd think you were listening to a John Hughes soundtrack. (Especially on the grin-inducing "Kelly," which Hall & Oates are totally kicking themselves for not writing right now.) So good to hear a band doing this sort of thing without any obvious cheese or winks to the audience. 5 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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new rock / top albums chart / modular / and more

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Van She
V Digi-LP

Aussie pop-rock with 80s touches

After much waiting, touring, collaborating and remixing, at long last it's the debut album from these Aussie dance rockers. Van She deliver on the promises of their 2005 self-titled EP, albeit in a poppier way than expected, returning to their killer track "Kelly" and unleashing new sure-to-be-faves like the soaring "Cat & The Eye," "The Sea" and "Strangers." The record's got 80s/new romantic reference points, but the tracks feel very modern and all the production tricks (courtesy of British producer Jim Abbiss) sound killer on headphones.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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new rock / top albums chart / modular /

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Van She
Ze Vemixes Digi-EP

remixed versions of Van She's biggest songs

Van She are back with a new remix, er, rather a vemix collection, composed of material off their big debut LP V as well as previous singles. Features beefed up electro-house remixes of "Sexual City," "Cat & The Eye," "Strangers," "Changes," "Talkin," "It Could Be The Same," as well as the new track "Techno Music" and a nice acoustic version of "Virgin Suicides." Eight tracks total.
reviewed by Hires

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