Devin Dazzle and the Neon Fever

Introduced by his trademark cold, metallic vocals, first track "Rocket Ride" holds a slick guitar and synth riff that absolutely rocks, though not in the same sense that "Silver Screen" did, it's more electronic rock for listening pleasure. The 1980s sound is as ever prevalent with tracks like "Ready to Wear" capturing the essence that crossover bands such as New Order had. The closing song "Neon Human" is a fantastic piece of synth pop with the mantra "I Wanna Be Human", sounding like a Kraftwerkian version of "Axl F" for a new generation. Devin Dazzle is oppressive, quirky, retro and progressive--a shining example that dance music can still be made for listening without drifting into dreary chillout mush. --David Trueman