Tapes is the underachieving cousin to !K7's seminal DJ Kicks series. For artists unwilling to put the time and effort into producing exclusive content, touring and promoting a DJ Kicks compilation. Fortunately this does not affect my enjoyment of its excellent first installment.

 

With even Snow Patrol releasing a "DJ compilation", it seems high time that such an influential band in the current clubbing landscape like the Rapture have their own. The compilation begins with GhostFace Killah's Daytona 500 which somehow segues perfectly into more disco-fied territory with classic cuts from the Bar-keys and Northend. Almost like a history of dance music there is a rapid shift towards house music with Thomas Bangalter's , half of Daft Punk, Club Soda as well as recent future classic Syclops' Where´s Jason K.

 

I given the bands influences I expected some New York "mutant disco" like ESG, the Contortions or Bush Tetras which would have gone down well. Perhaps there is statement in their absence by doing the unexpected and broadening their fans listening frontiers with this eclectic compilation. - Winston