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Superchumbo - Wowie Zowie

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Superchumbo - Wowie Zowie

Twisted Records
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It's not surprising that one of Superchumbo's (aka Tom Stephan) favorite bands from back in the day was the dark and experimental Nitzer Ebb. Wowie Zowie revs up with a dark, twisted, and cinematic intro which gives way to a massive, sweeping beat that sparks this spookhouse of an album into gear. Fans of Superchumbo know them for the big pounding house grooves, cheeky vocals and twisted atmosphere, and as the first track "Some" hits everything falls into place. Although the dark element is thoroughly embedded, there is an equal element of fun and playfulness in the mix. Vocals are provided by a long list of talents such as Sylvia Mason-James, Samantha Fox, Neil Tennant, Celeda and Will Brett.

Some tracks from this album go back a few years ("Irresistible", "This Beat Is", "Dirty Filthy" and "Revolution"). "Revolution" gets an awesome rework with stadium-sized drumwork and a street crowd chanting "Viva la revolution." Already these tracks have conquered the clubs yet there are more tracks on this album that surely will make the rounds as well. "Some (feat Sylvia Mason-James)" has got big potential along with "Sugar (feat Samantha Fox)" and "U Know U Love It (feat Bashiyra)."

I think Superchumbo is at its best when diva vocals are combined with the big, dark and fun beats. Sounding simultaneously menacing and uplifting is a artistic trick Superchumbo pulls off exceedingly well. One track, "Bring It," nods to the bitch track days of the mid-90s, but is somewhat marred my vocalist Alan T's nasal rap, which comes off as silly and unconvincing. Another track, "Tranquilizer," is notable for Neil Tennant's unmistakable voice and R-rated vocals. Tennant certainly takes the vocals into the darker end of the Wowie Zowie spectrum. The album overall is partially mixed- some songs flow together without a gap while others stop and start. The menacing intro sound bed is used a few times through out to unite the tracks, and possible the best, most club-friendly mix is between the last two tracks- "Out There" and "Revolution." This is easily one of the top artist driven house albums out this year. Seriously fun stuff.

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