Collegiate Times

They have sweet mustaches, aviators and are put here for one single purpose - to make you dance.

Hailing from "The Beaches" of Toronto, MSTRKRFT was started in 2005 by Jesse F. Keeler, formerly of Death from Above 1979, and AI-P (Alex Peodziukas) from the electro-pop group Girlsareshort. While Keeler and AI-P have been playing venues around the world sharing their remixes for the past two years, the rest of us have been craving a follow-up to the not-nearly-satisfying album, "The Looks." Recently, the duo replaced SebastiAn during the Toronto Virgin Music Fest and by the reception, it seems like there's a bright future ahead somewhere between the dance floor and the flashing lights.

MSTRKRFT's much anticipated full-length follow up album, "Fist of God" debuts this week on Last Gang Records. And although dance music hasn't necessarily been the vanguard of innovation, one must always put the genre in perspective - its principle is to get you partying. Either way, you are welcome to ignore my belief that electronica (not techno) is the future.

Album opener "It Ain't Love" featuring Lil' Mo is a synth-driven power punch that reproduces vibrant soul we've seen with Basement Jaxx and Lisa Kekaula's "Good Luck." The distortion has been cranked and the authenticity of the drum machine sound of the Roland SH101 combined with Digidesign Pro Tool software offers squeaky-clean production value. But keep in mind that the grunge of the synth presents a very chaotic tone sketched by electro-pop.

"You don't know what love is baby and you're running my heart with lies," sings Lil' Mo.

"Click Click" featuring E-40 and "Word Up" featuring Ghost Killah are proof that electronica is an exceptionally flexible negotiator of genres. While these tracks certainly aren't the strong points of the record, it's exciting to see the blend. Collaborations like these may have been unheard of years ago but are now the forefront of pop music. Hints of digital melodies are seeping their way in and the beauty of electronica is its ability to take artists of different genres into new directions. But let us note that the misuse and mislabeling of electronica music happen frequently.

But the featured guests only have listeners thirsting for better ones. While "Fist of God" may unify some of genres, it opens a gateway of potential that mirrors a chilling reminder of how much house music has yet to accomplish.

"Fist of God" makes sure to present an extremely cohesive record that intermingles the end of one track's synth line to the beginning of another. However, some filler tracks - like the tone-buffed up "Heartbreaker" featuring John Legend - offer a wadding interlude that doesn't extend the excitement of the record. Perhaps it's best for MSTRKRFT to stick with the dirtier bouquet.

While they may not emulate the polish of Daft Punk, MSTRKRFT are onboard a moving trend toward an aggressive, industrial-esque sound we're seeing with The Crookers, Kavinsky and Justice. The evolution of electronica births an international conflict; the western hemisphere must answer back to the pioneers on the other side of the globe.

However, it seems after hearing the first three tracks, the rest don't stand out. As for such an anticipated release, the 38-minute, salaciously-packaged presentation doesn't meet its even more glittering expectations. While the MSTRKRFT experience seems a little hollow, if it gets your friends moving around the room, I suppose it passes the test. It will undoubtedly provide some new beats to raise us out of this winter slump.