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Album Details

• Artist: Kerowack
• EP:
The First Ep
• Label: Thunder Finger Records
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: mschmitt on 2008-01-03

Dance albums almost immediately get segued into one of two categories in my mind: purely for electronica/dance fanatics (i.e. unlistenable) or enjoyable both on the dance floor and off (i.e. !!!). Kerowack attempts to be both within the confines of a six track EP, and emerges surprisingly unscathed…relatively. The London duo – made up of Dan Gerber and Saul Good – debuted with the single ‘Dirty Bumf’ in 2005, through Rip Records. Now on Thunder Finger Records, Kerowack has released their initial multi-track work, appropriately titled The First EP. While you may assume you know what Kerowack is getting at by the electronica-filled opening track “Dirt Grabber” – that is, an electronica album made only for those who obsess about electronica music – “Fuck Guitars” may catch you off-guard. Milly Blue’s vocals (of the Basement Jaxx) add a refreshing pop touch to Kerowack’s work, while not betraying their dance roots. In essence, “Fuck Guitars” is a track that straddles the great divide of electronica music. “Keep it Movin’” does the same, but by inserting the fast-paced rap of Doc Brown (a postmodern lyrical poet and live MC for Mark Ronson) where Blue’s sensual vocals once seduced. “Joolz” proves that Karowack don’t need vocals to bridge the void either, adding a near-ambient aspect to their danceable electronica efforts. “Harpooner” may be the most fascinating of their tracks—a quick-n-dirty track featuring the same blips and bleeps that you may remember from certain Sonic the Hedgehog games. While all of the tracks hold their own short-comings, and “Naf Monk” is rendered unlistenable by the blaring klaxon siren that refuses to shut up, Kerowack is both innovative and traditional in the confining space of an EP. The First EP is a listenable dance record for those who don’t need ten minutes of bass-level repetition, while not betraying Kerowack’s rave roots. Most importantly though, when aided with flashing lights and some neon-checkered dance floor, The First EP will definitely get you moving.

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