Fischerspooner - '#1' (Ministry Of Sound)
4/5
By: Toby L
Judging by the repackaging of this re-release of dance-act Fischerspooner's debut LP, '#1', seemingly, the obscure duo are believing their own hype. The sleeve - and CD-surface - are literally doused in press-quotes from the last twelve months which simply barrage the ultra-cool, nouveau fashion-items with praise. Surely, there must be something behind their flashy exterior that's allowed them to cultivate such a devoted set of media-chums... Well, there is. Ministry of Sound spotted the talent, too - forking out a reputed and heavily-rumoured £2 million in order to sign up the act. £2 million. Is anyone worth that?
Rather than try and solve such a debate, let's just stick with what's the key to it all, anyway: the music. Hardly ones to disguise their inspirations, Fischerspooner do sound like the bastard son of almost every temporarily relevant, early-80s synth-pop combo - The Human League, Soft Cell springing to mind instantly - but it's the dirty, urban energy of the 21st Century that fuels the act's fire. They've already gained the underground following, mainly thanks to their uncompromisingly sexy beats and subtle melodies, and - what with their potentially scene-inducing* image to boot, which features OTT live-shows and lots of make-up on men and dyed hair - the world is next to be conquered.
'#1' is the ideal standing-point from which to begin a career that's slated for special things. Short, punchy and consistently tuneful, it ain't exactly a physics-equation, but its understated production and quiet invention is something lacking from pop-charts currently ridden with over-done, over-played and over-night successes. Best of all are the obvious moments - soon-to-be their essential anthem, 'Emerge' is a grinding, growler of a dance-floor mover, whilst 'The 15th' serves as a far more brooding affair, preferring the dynamics of classic, eerie electronica as opposed to mere club-filler. Elsewhere, the funked-up feistiness of 'Turn On', and rather eyebrow-raising lyrics that make references to hot, pink things - use your imagination - presents forth a New York twosome with more than just a cunning ability of stirring a music-industry storm.
Music to dance to. Music to ponder over. Music to make love by... Whatever, Fischerspooner's '#1' is a thrilling introduction to the most fittingly futuristic time-warp currently shaking its ass on planet Earth. Get down with them before it's too late.
* Oh, it looks like they're already pioneering a scene: punk-rawk without guitars or drums - AKA electro-clash. Didn't take long, did it?
Artists in this article: Fischerspooner
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