Keoki

A la Ice-T with Freedom of Expression, DJ Keoki puts out a smashing album that pushes the boundaries of dance music and opens with the voice of Jello Biafra and a vision of the penal nation. Inevitable Alien Nation is a mix CD of DJ Keoki's "personal favorites." Under his administration, tracks from Coldcut, Junkie XL, Spiritual Being and more work together as a single vision of one killer club experience. Still, different styles rise to the surface and some tracks achieve prominence. The low rub of synth and clattering cowbell on "Useless Man" (Minty) is a smartly arranged intro into a torrent of drum and bass and profanity. The guitar and cymbal intro to "Pleasing the Korean" (Naked Funk) sets up an energetic arrangement of drum samples and synth beats, smoothly segueing into the Minty track. While each track stands alone as powerful techno, it is DJ Keoki's ability continue a groove from one song to another that makes the package greater than the sum of its parts. Also worth noting is the 1980s' dance sound of Dvus and the fly funk mix in DJ Keoki's treatment of the Avenging Godfather of Disco. Inevitable Alien Nation is a freak-stepping land to escape to, and DJ Keoki is its ambassador. In short, this is what techno should sound like: varied, intelligent, fun and surprising. ~ Thomas Schulte, All Music Guide