Sneaky Sound System - Self Titled
(2006)

Review by Sean Lynch
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While the record companies keep churning out albums which ship 1 million copies on debut each week (and keep churning out absolute junk at that), it's fantastic to see that Independent acts are finally getting the critical and commercial success that has eluded them for so long.

One of this years biggest success stories is that of Sneaky Sound System. Dropped from a major label after a couple of good - but by no means great - singles, the brains behind SSS (Angus McDonald & MC Double D) teamed up with Primary's Miss Connie to release the SSS debut album independently. It has since gone onto become one of the biggest albums of 2006/2007 (with 70,000 + copies sold) - and spawn some of the most danceable singles in years.

Without doubt, that success can solely be contributed to the stunning vocals and flair of Miss Connie. The two previous singles from SSS (the ones that died on the major label, and don't contain Connie on them) Hip Hip Hooray and Tease Me make an appearance here - but it's just amazing the difference is between those tracks (and any with the male vocals on them) and those with Connie's.

In fact, Miss Connie contributed to five tracks for the album, and not surprisingly, all have become massive radio hits. And that's where the real strength of this self titled album lies - it's full of hits!

These days, you might be lucky to get two really great singles - and then two or three more that the record company forces upon radio listeners. That's not the case with SSS.

I Love It, Pictures and (my personal favourite of the year - of any track released) UFO are just superbly written pop/dance tracks. They are flawless bits of electro pop droplets which, when we nostalgically look back at what our lives were like in 2007, will encapsulate the era to perfection.

In fact, there isn't one track on Sneaky Sound System that isn't catchy - or perfect to dance in your room/favourite club. No slow spots, just up tempo and well crafted electro tracks with eighties influences and a slight dash of Daft Punk.

If there is a one weak spot to the SSS juggernaut - it sadly is the 'Non Connie' songs. There is a reason the Black Angus "I'm a poor man's K-Fed" white rapping tracks didn't work in the past - and that's because it's a cheesy form of vocal tracking. While it does give the album a bit of variety from simply Connie's vocals, it simply doesn't work. Thankfully, the beats and melodies of the weaker "White Boy Rap" tunes are strong enough to keep the songs afloat - and the majority of the time you will be so wrapped up in the beat that the annoying rap will wash right over you.

With the 2007 Arias just around the corner - expect Sneaky Sound System to be in the mix, and rightfully so.

One of the stand out albums of the year.

ALBUM RATING: 4 out of 5

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