Golden Traxe

If Shadow Dancer's debut album suffers from the same problem that many other debuts do -- take one general approach, perfect it, and then slam it into the ground -- then it does so with a rude, vibrant energy. Part of the continuing reaction back against the cleaner restraint of microhouse and the melancholic moods of dubstep, Golden Traxe slams in with the clattering crunch of "Poke," half post-Aphex Twin rave and half electronic body music storm-front crunch. It's a gripping beginning, and if it blueprints much of the album as a result, then at least the duo puts its best foot forward. At Golden Traxe's best, Shadow Dancer spike the general boldness on display with further attention-grabbing elements, as with the demi-brass section funk stabs on the title track, while a song like "Loader" simply slays from the opening notes. Otherwise, it turns a bit into background music for loud parties, but there are far worse fates in music. ~ Ned Raggett