Wild Romance

Described by Mixmag as "one of the most exciting, charismatic and entertaining DJs of the decade," Essex boy Kissy Sell Out cleverly manages to transfer the exuberance of his famous four-deck sets to his second studio album, Wild Romance. From the plucked pizzicato strings, Vangelis synths, and manic Daft Punk-inspired electro of opening track "Something Extraordinary," to the suitably eerie ambience of comedown finale "Alone on the Roof Top," the first release through his San City High label never relents in its quest to provide the most brash and bold club soundtrack of the year. But while the twitchy techno of "Alison," a tribute to the cousin whose CDs he used to steal and who inspired his career, the chaotic fusion of tribal chanting, distorted vocal samples, and warbling basslines of "Wild in the Warehouse," and the Basement Jaxx-esque carnival vibes of MC Cobra collaboration "Turn It On" are all likely to get the party started, it's only when Kissy incorporates the classical leanings that he showcases on his Thursday night Radio 1 specialist dance show, that the album justifies his innovative reputation. "Homesick" is an ultra-modern tale of multimedia lust featuring an anthemic dubstep breakdown, blistering hip-pop vocals from Oh Snap, and Bach-influenced piano hooks; "Little Angel" is a pulsing blend of arcade game bleeps, progressive house beats, and the unlikely use of an oboe; while mournful violins and twinkling glockenspiels underpin the hypnotic, squelchy electro of "Eternal." Less captivating are the forays into old-school territory, such as acid-house throwback "Twiggy," the Italo-house of "Redrinkulous," and the happy hardcore vibes of the title track, all of which sound like generic leftovers from an early-'90s Ministry of Sound compilation. Wild Romance doesn't always live up to Kissy's grand claims that it's the album "he was put on earth to make," but it's a record that fizzles with energy which should have several superstar DJs looking over their shoulders. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi