(Nettwerk)

www.nettwerk.com

Chicago-based electro producer Felix Da Housecat describes his latest, He Was King, as his most pop-oriented album to date. This is an accurate assessment - glitteringly, vacuously, mirthfully, erotically so. These are just some of the descriptors that can be applied to Felix's new record, a dance-floor mixture of throbbing beats and synthesizer warbles that features guest vocalists on nearly every track. Tunes like "We All Wanna Be Prince" and "Do We Move Your World" represent the softer, pop-centric side of Felix's vision, while the buzzing, blown-out "Kickdrum" and the alarm-blaring "Elvi$" find him fully immersed in acid and techno regalia.

For the most part, these two sides of the spectrum compliment each other nicely. There are lesser moments of musical lethargy (see "Turn Me On a Summer Smile"), but overall, Felix smartly and successfully melds the slick and the saccharine.

Standout Tracks: "Kickdrum," "Elvi$" JONAH FLICKER