Kish Kash

With two full-length masterpieces behind them, still hadn't recorded a bum note, nearly ten years after getting together. But while their third record, , is still miles ahead of the various formula relied upon by scores of dance producers, it isn't the same filler-free party classic as and . In fact, it reveals the duo perhaps relying too much on their own formula, the jumped-up production with tech-heavy percussion and effects exploding all over the mix. Granted, ably deflect most criticisms with this LP, shot through with high-profile collaborations -- nearly all of them intriguing tracks with star turns. hero shows various victims just what it means to be a postmodern diva for while 's is a surprising success on the beguiling Teenage - sensation turns in a fabulous outre performance on but the Indian filmi sample driving the song displays in a light they've never been in before: behind the times. And while is a steely, assured vocalist for the propulsive the final two minutes are so close to the track becomes more rip-off than homage. There's really no way to make a splash with a third full-length that sticks so close to the formula, even one they helped create. Still, while may be the best dance record of 2003, it's the least imaginative record have ever released. ~ John Bush