New York City-based psych-funkers Measles Mumps Rubella's Fantastic Success is a compelling and virtually unqualified one. The record hit racks yesterday on Doubling Cube. The six-year-old, cumbersomely named quartet achieves its brand of dance-punk by melding early '80s elements like Gang of Four, or Gary Numan's Tubeway Army with aspects of darkwave and surprisingly Ian Mackaye-esque vocals (particularly on the title track -- available for download along with the uncommonly strong "Algorithm of Desire" at the band's web site here). We suppose it should be little surprise that there are few if any missteps on Fantastic Success, given it took the band so many years to get around to recording its first full-length effort.

But MMR does more than avoid missteps: it's crafted a very solid and intelligent set unified by the push and pull of lockstep rhythms and broad sonic experimentation. The record takes a left turn into more psych-influenced and atmospheric territory midway through, heralded by some odd grunting in "Hollow Bodies." "Mythstery Of Zygo" exhibits a very strong affinity for Chambers Bros.-style psychedelia predicated on delay pedal-driven sonic exploration. Album closer and watery standout "Nice Hollow Bodies" is tensely pegged to a persistent kick drum across five minutes of ambient tones and processed trumpet and guitar flourishes. Thanks to the good people of Doubling Cube Records we are able to offer you the track exclusively. -- Jay Breitling

Measles Mumps Rubella -- "Nice Hollow Bodies."
[right click and save as]