(God Within)

www.godwithin.com

Scott Hardkiss has made his name producing and DJing acid house, techno, and breakbeats all over the world, along with fellow Hardkiss members Gavin and Robbie. On his debut for his own God Within imprint, Scott attempts to enhance and expand his repertoire by singing, rapping, and playing a variety of instruments on a collection of songs that range from electro-pop to electro-funk to electro-tech.

Unfortunately, the music is full of clichés (like Alvin and the Chipmunks-pitched vocals over the funk numbers) and cheesy programming and synth sounds, turning what could be an eclectic mix informed by a veteran DJ into an exercise in how not to make an album. The occasional song offers a breezy party vibe, like the disco-influenced "Hey Deejay!", but even this feels unfocused and lazy. It appears Scott Hardkiss is much more capable as a spinner of records than he is a songsmith.

Standout Tracks: "Hey Deejay," "Come on, Come on" JONAH FLICKER