Danger Radio

Danger Radio have effectively updated funk for the MySpace Generation. The Seattle six-piece stir up a veritable hodgepodge of sounds that could only be described as "electro-dream funk." In fact, their debut, Used and Abused, could serve as the soundtrack for a '70s cop flick, or more likely, an '00s remake of a '70s cop flick. The band mixes flourishes of disco, emo, funk and alt rock seamlessly. What results is something of a sonic lava lamp, where fluid sounds co-exist and smoothly float over each other.

Nothing's off limits. On "Kiss N' Tell" and the bouncy title track, there are some piano passages that'd make Elton John proud. Both songs keep the listener guessing, as they segue from danceable audio ecstasy to fiery arena-rock choruses. "So Far Gone" begins with an intro that wouldn't be out of place on an Isaac Hayes jam, but the chorus channels Fall Out Boy. "Things" builds with a funky and fun groove. The cut's cheeky synth interlude could signal the zombie invasion in a '50s B-flick, but it props up an infectious melody instead. "Slow Dance With a Stranger" sways back and forth like a disco ball, and its hook soars. Then there's "Broken Man," which shows that these boys definitely do feel, without getting overly emo. "Where I started" caps it all off perfectly with a strange, sensual backbeat. This isn't your daddy's funk. Danger Radio combine an old school attitude with a new school creativity. However, some of the tracks could use a bit more focus as there's a lot going on. Nevertheless, this radio will get louder and clearer with age.

For now, just crank that, and cruise with it. You'll feel almost as cool as Shaft.

—Rick Florino
07.02.08