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“Fist of God,” the second album from electronica duo MSTRKRFT (pronounced “Master Craft”) can be defined in one word: collaboration. The band, which is often mentioned in the same realm of the recent electro greats like Justice, Digitalism and Boys Noize, has crafted yet another classic dance album that delivers the kind of quality electronica fans have come to expect.
The two disco jockeys who make up MSTRKRFT, JFK and Al-P craft tight synth-heavy tracks that just demand to be danced to. On this album, they combine their production talents with the talent of various rappers and vocalists.
Their strength comes from their ability to blend the best elements of other artists together while adding their own style. There is no mistaking the hints of Justice-like synth lines. The second track, “1,000 Cigarettes,” is pretty much a direct rip-off of “Robot Rock” by Daft Punk. Even the disco-y opener, “It Ain’t Love,” reflects the efforts of Moby’s album “Last Night.” But through it all, MSTRKRFT keep a unique, cohesive vibe that reminds listeners their iTunes isn’t just shuffling through their electronica collection.
Part of their individuality is actually found in the way they feature so many artists. “Bounce,” featuring N.O.R.E. and Isis, is a raunchy dance floor banger with a chorus of “all I do is party.” The use of rapping and intense synth work is a strong point throughout the whole album.
“Click Click,” featuring E-40, is particularly well done. His quick and unique flow is the perfect compliment to this driving techno piece, further proof that hip-hop is far from dead.
Along with the rapping, MSTRKRFT enlist some great vocal talent. John Legend’s soulful croon graces one piano-heavy track, while singer Jahmal of Toronto band The Carps is featured on two tracks. His distinctive voice is perfect for dance music, and his overall vocal talent invigorates the whole album.
The erotically filthy “Word Up,” featuring Ghostface Killah, has faint sexual moans and more instances of the F-word than an episode of “South Park.”
The biggest pitfall electronica artists are usually snared by is how prominent their production skills are featured. Some artists pound listeners in the face with relentless bass lines and thick instrumental layers, making vocal work an afterthought. Other times, great beats and intricate lines are buried under exceptional rapping or singing. “Fist of God” is able to avoid both dangers, essentially by stepping right into them. They intersperse their excellent instrumental tracks like “Vuvuvu” with weaker-produced tracks featuring enticing vocals.
MSTRKRFT have some trouble differentiating their music from all that surrounds them, yet they still hold their ground in a competitive genre. Not too much has changed from their debut, although none of the artistic value or energy is lost. They join forces with the right people on this album and are able to craft a unified work. For fans of the genre, this is not one to miss. MSTRKRFT’s new batch of songs will undoubtedly start appearing in Dee Jay sets and on remix compilations soon.
Grade: B
