It would be silly to count the times you heard Chromeo’s “You’re So Gangsta,” “Me & My Man” or “Needy Girl” at a bar with a DJ providing the night’s entertainment. The best part is when you hear all three played in a row—double disc vinyl allows for that kind of creativity—as no one knew who this band was in the first place. If you heard three Bloc Party songs in a row, people might assume it’s a “Rock Block” weekend. That’s just how below the radar these synth-pop Montrealers are.
Here’s some good news for those of you who actually knew who was making these sweet, dope jams: Chromeo went back to the studio and returned with Fancy Footwork, due out on Vice Records July 24th. Delivering a seductive new album full of synth-heavy, vocoder-laden funk love songs, Chromeo excels in meticulously echoing the sentiment and sound of their 80s inspirational counterparts while staying firmly grounded in the present.
Following up the critical success of 2004's She's In Control LP and last year's hit collaboration "I Am Somebody" with DJ Mehdi, the illustrious Montreal-based duo known as Chromeo hit the studio and returned with Fancy Footwork. Delivering a seductive new album full of synth-heavy, vocoder-laden funk love songs, Chromeo excels in meticulously echoing the sentiment and sound of their 80s inspirational counterparts while staying firmly grounded in the present.
Fancy Footwork finds our charismatic sartorial opposites Dave One and P-Thugg at the top of their game, both musically and stylistically. Tracks like "Tenderoni" and "Bonafied Lovin'" highlight the bravado of Dave One's innuendo filled lyrics coupled with P-Thugg's rock solid synth and vocoder work, while "100%" and "Momma's Boy" reveal the tender side of Chromeo in the form of effortless slow jams. To top it off, legendary producer Philippe Zdar (Cassius, Motorbass) mixed the record, adding a sophisticated French touch to the atmosphere and perfectly complementing Chromeo's heightened attention to songwriting detail. Fancy Footwork is a trans-continental love affair that represents the duality of the group best: a catchy yet intense pop album delivered with disarming sincerity.