THEY! Live

Even with such meticulous sound selection as evidenced on They! Live, the first full LP by Benjamin Damage and Doc Daneeka for Modeselektor’s 50 Weapons label, instrumentals from electronic acts can create a relatively flat indistinguishable “dime a dozen” effect when entering into realm of home listening. Yet, Benjamin Damage and Doc Deneeka have managed to bottle a kind of sonic texturing that is both immediate and intimately sophisticated. “Juggernaut” is just that, tipping its hat to early 90’s New York House, evoking an aura of suggestively parted lip transgression. “Creeper” also delivers the “deep rave” goods complete with police sirens, vocal samples, glissandos, and breaks. However it is the vocal appearances by Abigail Wyles that are the most affecting. Occupying a space somewhere between the Bristol sound and the dream pop of Broadcast, her guest appearances lift the record out of the faceless club music mire and give a dynamic voice to the soulful production work surrounding it.