House of Beni

One of the hottest properties on Australia's burgeoning dance scene, Riot in Belgium DJ/producer Benjamin Single, aka Beni, follows up his three Kitsuné-issued releases with his debut solo album, House of Beni. Opting for the Guetta approach of cramming in as many guest stars as possible, its ten tracks feature an eclectic array of vocalists including Sam Sparro on the seductive electro-soul of "Your Body" and kaleidoscopic vocal house of "High Off Your Love," Hercules & Love Affair's Nomi Ruiz on the glittery Scissor Sisters-esque synth-funk of opener "Sway," and an unexpected turn from the Rapture bassist Mattie Safer on the acidic electro of "Someone Just Like You." However, with its several collaborators presumably chosen for their vocal talents rather than their high profile, House of Beni still feels like a cohesive artist album rather than a floor-filling compilation. That's also thanks to the obvious affection for the club sounds of the late '80s/early '90s seeping through the majority of the record, whether it's the classic Chicago house of the gloriously camp "It's a Bubble," the warehouse rave synths that permeate the indie disco of "Love Scene," or the mash-up of glitchy techno with anthemic Italo house on the hypnotic instrumental "O.P.U.L.E.N.C.E." The gorgeous lullaby-esque chillout of closer "Zig Zags" shows that the party starter can also soundtrack the comedown, but make no mistake, this is predominantly a pure old-school club record suggesting that the House of Beni is the place to be. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi