Kraftjerkz US レコード& CD

Review: Connecticut label, Kraftjerks, has made a name for itself as the east coast's prime electro label. Bringing us the sixth volume of their popular Machine Funk Is Our Game series they've pulled together an impressive array of artists including Alonzo, Daniel Savio, Deroboter, Kid Ginseng, and Cybereign. 'Nikki Don't Save Me' is the powerful, bass heavy track that opens the compilation. Veering through meteor fields and firing through wormholes, this is tonally dark electro at its best. 'Chrome Belt Buckle (feat. Questosahn)', a scratch-inflected journey through warped vocals and frenetic percussion, is another highlight. Perfect for the club or cruising down the highway, this is a cornerstone record for electro fans.

Review: Hailing from Philadelphia - currently up there with the most artistically arresting cities in the US (having spawned the nickname 'New York's most exciting borough' among those wanting weary of the Big Apple's gentrified shell) - Plastic Ivy make music that's pure drama on disc. Or digital file, depending on your chosen format. Founded by singer, songwriter and guitarist Lira Marie Landes, when teamed up with bassist, producer and engineer Daniel James Shields, the duo are something real to contend with.

Here we're given four pieces of compelling evidence proving that point. Original versions ooze a kind of affected sexuality, a retro-tinged electro-punk ride through the experimental side door of a night in the club, nodding to influences from Kitten to The Human League. Remixed, though, 'Superior Corruption' is nothing short of a banging electro number filled with attitude and cheekiness. Essential.