A Touch Of Class

Still Sucks!

[3/5] Oliver Stumm and Domie Clausen collaborate under the nom de production A Touch Of Class-a fitting moniker, since the NYC duo slice and dice tunes into glossy dance jams and rose to prominence after producing and releasing the Scissor Sisters’ first few singles. To that end, don’t expect an indie-dance record a la the DFA or MSTRKRFT on Still Sucks!, the sequel to the pair’s 2003 release, Sucks!. Instead, this is pure liquid electronica rooted in ’80s new-wave (tracks from the Ones conjure Depeche Mode and Heaven 17), glassy synth rave-ups and debauched gay discos. Even the Gossip’s “Listen Up”-a thumping cowbell jam propelled by Beth Ditto’s bluesy exhortations-turns diva-licious and techno-fried in ATOC’s hands. As with many dance-oriented collections, Still Sucks! becomes somewhat monotonous about halfway through-although the mix is of course best experienced while pre-partying or burning up a dancefloor, not through headphones. (A TOUCH OF CLASS) Annie Zaleski