IN THE NOW

Though they're a pair of veteran producers, releasing their full-length debut after seven years of recording, Mutiny UK surprisingly sound a bit swayed by a flavor of the moment, the upfront sound of Basement Jaxx. Since Mutiny UK's Dylan Barnes actually worked with Basement Jaxx's Simon Ratcliffe during the mid-'90s, it's possible they arrived at a similar sound as part of the same natural progression. In any case, "Midnight Lady," "Secrets," and "The Virus" possess the same lurching basslines, tortured ragga effects, and swinging, slapping house turbulence familiar to fans of the Jaxx, though they lack the production cleverness and pop smarts that set them far above the rut of dance music. Other tracks from In the Now add a progressive yet mainstream diva ("Keep Love," "New Horizon") or diverge into acid territory ("Kip da Kik Bouncin'," "Infectious"), but setting themselves up for such an easy comparison with the top house production act around is bound to result in comparisons, and Mutiny UK simply doesn't measure up. ~ John Bush|