Innerpartysystem

Never Be Content EP

Anyone who caught Innerpartysystem’s headline shows in support of 2008’s self-titled full-length was most likely struck that they had all the trappings of an arena-filling band crammed into a small venue. With a superior light show, a simply enormous sound and energy to burn, they were a riveting spectacle, and it seemed like the only thing holding them back from the big leagues was their patchy debut, which boasted a handful of great tracks interspersed with more average fare. While that record aimed for an electronica-heavy blend of dance and rock music, this time out they seem to have pretty much abandoned the guitars—or processed them to the point that they are unrecognizable as such—and focused on delivering a stirring collection that will get asses moving on the dance floors of the world.

Though proceedings could have done without the Auto-Tuned vocals that crop up frequently over Never Be Content’s six tracks, the manner in which they layer and blend throbbing grooves, driving beats and often jarring electronic squeeps and woobles has a real excitement to it. Opener “And Together” and the eight-and-a-half-minute beast that is “Not Getting Any Better” sound like they could almost have been included on Daft Punk’s TRON: Legacy soundtrack, mixing electronic bombast with processed strings to great effect, and the manner in which the tracks build up, break down and explode hits the mark powerfully. “Money” and “American Trash,” while possessing decent grooves ,are somewhat less essential (the vocal melody and dirty throb of the latter sounding distinctly similar to Ke$ha’s “Boots And Boys”), while “Out Of Touch” is perhaps the track most comparable to their previous releases, its insidious tone and seductive chorus gripping from the off and perfect for radio play. Rounding things out with the mellower tones of “Squid” they once more bring their A-game, the soothing wash of synthesized sounds and an almost ethereal chorus sits well alongside its more boisterous counterparts and further demonstrates the band’s diversity.

The EP’s currently untitled companion piece is due this summer, and on the merits of this one it will be worth seeking out; hopefully the band will have further embraced their strengths and deliver the record they are clearly capable of. But for now, this is a decent addition to the collections of those looking for a little more depth in their dance fodder.

Red Bull http://www.redbullrecords.com

“Not Getting Any Better”