Miss Kittin (Caroline Hervé) and The Hacker (Michel Amato). Individually, as writers, artists, Djs and producers they are impressive. On the brand new album, "Two", together again as a duo, they are unrivalled. It's been far too long since the release of their era-defining classic "1st Album", but wait no more, dear music lover, for they are back with a bang. And you'd better believe, it's a big, cosmic "bang".

Miss Kittin & The Hacker have not only forged a new path on this impressive collection of new material, but also, by transforming and remodelling their many musical influences, they have fashioned a club-based European cyber-pop of their very own. The album also features a wonderful, stellar sprinkling of metallic soul, glamorous space disco, glossy vocal nuances, crystalline beats and swirling melodies. The music possesses a sexy androgyny, glistening and pulsating. And the songs? Sometimes narrative, sometimes confessional, direct and alternatively clouded in mystery. And the lyrics, are they... "blue or grey"?

Let's talk abut the songs!

"The Womb". A gently lapping, intergalactic introduction succumbs to a tumultuous thumping early Madchester style robo-rhythm with Miss Kittin intoning "Evolution" in her best Shaun Ryder. An opening blast-off.

"1000 Dreams". Begins life in the land of Space's "Magic Fly" and ascends into a lovely warm euro-tinged track with a nod to Propaganda and classic 80's synth pop. A beautiful melody line from The Hacker sends the track into the stratosphere. This is the second commercially available single release from the album.

"P.P.P.O". Or, if you prefer: People, Pleasure, Objects, Power. Is this what Nitzer Ebb might have sounded like if they were sexier? This is electronic music at it's best, bursting with energy, hooks, dynamism and power. Watch out for this track on a pre-release to the clubs as the first single complete with Function's (Sandwell District) remix, before the album release.

"Party In My Head". Classic Moroder meets disco era Blondie. On Saturn. A dance track, which conjures up visions of dry ice, ultra-violet lighting and spinning mirror ball reflections. There's a constant party in someone's head, somewhere, is there not? Check this out when it is released commercially as the third single after the album release date. It will also feature remixes.

"Indulgence". Full-on electro-rock n' roll EBM dance-floor work out. Will sound extremely dangerous gushing forth from a huge speaker stack in a club. A live killer.

"Emotional Interlude". An image of Düsseldorf lingers in the foreground. Miami (or perhaps Detroit) skyline is in the hinter-ground. Kittin intones a sinuous mantra over The Hacker's growling bass drones. Gorgeous.

"Suspicious Minds". The spirit of the King lives on in this sweetest cover version and the first Kittin & Hacker vocal duet. Had he been around, the King would have gotten on down to this at Studio 54 for sure. In his white suit.

"Electronic City". Original metal beat minimalism (Conny Plank/John Foxx style) dissolves into the purist of neon melodies. A wonderful and extremely moving track, contrasting (and then fusing) starkness and warmth. It's all present here. Berlin... are you listening?

"Inutile Eternite". Futile Eternity. In which the BBC Radiophonic Workshop guided by The Hacker has kidnapped Kittin and tele-transported her to Spirea X. Ultra-Nu Beat for the 21st Century.

"Ray Ban". Potentially the perfect TV ad soundtrack for your favourite after-hours shades and eye-wear brand. "Is it grey? Or blue?" What is reality? Sometimes, it's not so easy to tell when one steps out of the club.

"1000 Dreams Reprise". A luscious electronic lullaby for the end to a perfect evening brings the album to a soothing and gentle close. In the twilight of a listen. A fitting ending to an excellent album.

Miss Kittin and The Hacker hit the road in 2009 and will be appearing live across Europe from April onwards, hitting the USA in September and then onto Asia and Australia. Dates to follow.

When the year 2009 is over and done (as it will be much sooner than we think), let's remember the year not for the woes of the world and the hard times, let's remember it for the good. Like the first time we heard the wonderful new Miss Kittin & The Hacker album "Two"

Dilemn

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