Dance & Electronic 2011: 20 Best Albums (Page 19) • Year In Review • exclaim.ca

Features > Year In Review > Dec 2011

19. Azari & III (Turbo)
Trend-setting modern music makers Azari & III solidify their popularity on an international scale with their self-titled debut. Released on Tiga's Turbo Recordings and Loose Lips Records, the admired Toronto based quartet combine the best of nostalgic '80s dance with '90s Chicago house to create infectious, artsy and emotionally driven lyrical anthems. With seven new tracks, including their previously released singles, the album opens with "Into the Night," originally available on Scion A/V; this '80s inspired diva club track is propelled forward by quivering synths and magnetic vocal harmonies. "Reckless (With Your Love)" has already become a contemporary retro house staple since coming out in November 2009 on Permanent Vacation. This chartbusting single combines '90s piano simulations with lush synth chords and optimistic vocals based on overcoming alienating matters of the heart. Devoid of lyrics, "Indigo" is a slow building Detroit-inspired track with heavy breathed moans, murmuring harmonies, piano riffs and wavering high-hats for the ultimate balanced groove. "Hungry (For the Power)" was Azari & III's first successful break-through anthem that reacts against the status quo and desire for attention. "Manic" closes this spectacular release with looping Prince-like hums, gurgling lasers and catchy vocal hooks about mental instabilities. Formed in 2008, Azari & III have skilfully referenced dance music from our past and redefined themselves as cutting-edge house revivalists of the future.
Andrea Ayotte

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14Comments

December 03, 2011Ranta9652

Nice to see Amon Tobin and Zomby on there. Their new albums are kindred spirits, IMO.

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December 03, 2011Nameless Poseur9654

any chance of a Spotify playlist? Rdio isn't available in my country (Spain).

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December 05, 2011Nameless Poseur9667

not the greatest list.... very safe easy choices, missed a lot of great albums like Clams Casino, Machinedrum, 2562,KODE9 & SPACEAPE, JAMIE XX & GIL SCOTT-HERON,ARAABMUZIK,Sepalcure,Martyn Ghost People, OMAR S,Motor City Drum Ensemble - DJ-Kicks to name a few... katy b sucks btw

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December 05, 2011Nameless Poseur9670

Katy B does suck... I like a lot of the list, but agree that Kode9&Spaceape, Jamie XX & Gil Scott, and Araabmuzik coulda/shoulda made the list and I know they did receive votes, just not enough. Thanks for the additional suggestions though, more music to check out is always a good thing.

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December 05, 2011TheChief9680

Jamie XX and Gil Scott-Heron are featured in the Groove (soul & world) list.

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December 05, 2011Ranta9682

Yeah, I have my doubts that anyone who openly admits to being a fan of electronic music would have voted for Katy B. She's more for pop fans who want something a little more underground than Lady GaGa but not quite as challenging as Emika (who released a significantly more interesting and beautiful dubstep-ish album on Ninja Tune this year).

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9738

where's pictureplane or jessica 6 on here?

bad list, bad list....

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December 07, 2011Nameless Poseur9750

Rustie @ 5? wow. ballsy.

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December 07, 2011Nameless Poseur9756

Toddla T is so underrated! Glad to see him included

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December 07, 2011Nameless Poseur9759

hey where's that thing that i like?

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December 08, 2011Scott9775

Hmm, Ninja Tune usually means I'll give it a shot, so I'll have to check out the Emika album mentioned above. For other albums that didn't make the list, I really dug Gold Panda's Companion and Grouper's Alien Observer.

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December 08, 2011Nameless Poseur9783

kuedo - severant

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December 08, 2011Nameless Poseur9785

Yay! Wallpaper Music

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December 09, 2011Ranta9808

I can also vouch for Kuedo, a stellar record placed somewhere between the new Boxcutter and Com Truise.

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