Are Oui Phony

A seven-song, 22-minute affair, Are Oui Phony is textbook DAT Politics. Like labelmates Numbers and to a much lesser degree Go! Team, the group once again serves up a helping of electronic-anchored pop music that is similar to its other release in 2006, Wow Twist. But what makes this EP different is that the group never strays from the energetic, lively attack that has become the mainstay of its catalog. Featuring guest vocals from Kevin Blechdom on "Motor Day," Are Oui Phony just builds and builds on that special blend of hyperactivity that can only come from drinking several Red Bull and Coca-Colas, then eating several packages of Pixy Sticks. On a somewhat disturbing tip, the group decided to cover Jim Henson/Kermit the Frog's wonderful "Rainbow Connection," throwing it in the anime machine and making it unnecessarily futuristic. It's pretty much the only detour found on this release. Anyone looking for something different from the group may be disappointed, but those who just want more of the same frenzied electro-pop they've become accustomed to with DAT Politics will revel in hipster freakout delight. ~ Rob Theakston