It’s been five years since club saviours Basement Jaxx last put out new studio material – two albums in a year, in fact, with 2009’sScarsandZephyr. As is the case with many close-proximity double releases, the duo could have saved us all a lot of time by simply putting out one solid LP instead of two patchy ones.
Still, it’s a lesson learned on album number seven – in fact, the resulting LP goes even beyond solid. This could well be their best record since 2001’s global breakthrough smash Rooty. It sees their mojo well and truly back in action, refining both their old-school tendencies and a handful of new tricks without coming across as desperate or out of touch.
Rather than rely on star power, the vocalists used throughout Junto are fresh up-and-comers – including, the story goes, singers they met in the car park of their studio. Of course, this ain’t no two-bit operation – every guest on the album adds their own spice and particular flavour to what is an already tasty brew.
Where’s your head at? If it’s not at the new Basement Jaxx record, then you’re doing yourself a disservice.
4/5.
Juntois out Friday August 22 through Atlantic Jaxx / [PIAS].
