Bimbo Jones

Producers Lee Dagger and Marc JB, together with veteran dance vocalist Katherine Ellis, collectively known as Bimbo Jones, release a relentless assault of single-worthy tracks on Harlem 1 Stop. After remixing a series of high-profile artists in the last few years, the trio have compiled an LP of original music predominantly focusing upon electro and funky house. With big beats, big bass lines and strong diva vocals it becomes fairly abrasive quite quickly and is not an easy listen, even for those brave enough to stay the course. After three unyielding tracks there is finally a respite with the light Spanish guitar intro of "Poison Heart" before the beats surge forward once more. Penultimate track "Tell Me My Name" eventually slows the pace to a relaxed groove of the same ilk as Zero 7 but it is fleeting and all but disregarded in the context of being followed up by the bluntness of "Fuq-U." Every number is well constructed, if somewhat formulaic, and individually they are all very enjoyable dance singles but collectively the album suffocates the listener by never letting up.