Just received my copy in the mail yesterday direct from Queen Kong containing a whole slew of goodies, including their new project with You're Only Massive. The album, Dot Dash, is a collective mix of emotions, tempos and genres. Here's what Queen Kong has to say to clarify:

- The record isn't a split between the bands, but between moods and tempos. The first side is upbeat disco moderne, the flip side is all love songs and slow jams.

- Dot Dash is mixed continuously, so the party never dies. It will be released on 12-inch silver vinyl and as a download.


I'd previously featured both artists before, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of this collaboration. It had me chomping at the bit, so much so, that I've been awake since 5:00am listening to it on repeat. So without further ado, track marks for Dot Dash.

1. Booty [2:10]
As I was hoping and half expected, the album starts off with a bang, a total party player. And as you can imagine, booty is a synonym for your "back yard". Mixing the flows of You're Only Massive with Queen Kong's Amy Stephenson's haunting backing vocals and ambient "oh oh's", we think this is the perfect way to kick off the project. And even better. The continuous mix going straight into track 2 is something we like...
Track Mark = B+

2. The World is Yours [3:27]
...considering that the drums in The World is Yours have been a favorite of ours since we first got a listen of it. So the seamelss blending between the first 2 tracks is something we admire and enjoy equally. The fluctuating vocals and stressed guitar riffs are two highlights we just can't stop liking.
Track Mark = A

3. The Rules [3:30]
The Rules highlights Stephenson's vocals like no other track on this album. There's an incredibly likeable Shirley Manson quality to her tone and, in my book, that makes for a pleasurable listen. The arrangement on this track is simple and subtle, which is why it's one of my favorites on the disc. Lyrically pleasing and muscially intriguing, it's a must hear.
Track Mark = A-

4. DJ Pull Me Clear [3:31]
A constant trend I've noticed throughout listening to the whole album is the transfer of tempos, not only from track to track, but WITHIN each track as well. This goes for DJ Pull Me Clear as well. The middle section where it's nothing more than a heartbeat thump and whispers is impressive.
Track Mark = B-

5. Do a Runner [3:27]
Love the beginning of this song...it's like an epic national anthem. Lyrics that stick with me after only hearing them once are big for me. "Put the cheddar in the pocket / put the rest into the jacket / what do you do / do a runner".
Track Mark = B-

6. Lovers Do [4:44]
Around the 2:40 mark, the drums kick in with full force and at 2:55, a nifty quick drum beat got me excited. The song itself is decent. Can I absolutley love every track? I can try, but this one, as much as it pains me to say it, would be a little lower than the rest. Solid though.
Track Mark = C+

7. Here is Home [4:04]
There's scratchy, crunchy, bending guitar riffs. A slick tempoed beat. Matching vocals on the chorus. Ambient sounds and just a whole lot going on. We kinda like the confusion we got going on here and it was an early favorite since we first heard it back on
Track Mark = B-

8. Epidemic [3:44]
"X X O / tic tac toe / home is just a place to go". There are so many good things I can say about this track. Between the lyrics of both the chorus and the verse, paired with an operatic backing vocal from Stephenson, we didn't think the track could get any better. And then towards the end, with all of about :20 seconds left, the track hit a key change that, quite honestly, gave me chills.
Track Mark = A

9. Approximation [4:30]
Oh, you know how to get to me. I don't know what it is about hand claps, but Approximation starts of strong with them. It starts off as a much slower tempoed song, with a stark verse section that is endearing, but then the chorus hits hard and it's a nice change of pace. And it's ready to rock.
Track Mark = A-

10. Blackberry Slow Jam [3:30]
Initially I wasn't sure what direction this was gonna take. But it's got a little bit of everything I love. Spoken word lyrics. Thumping drums. Horns. Harmonic vocals. A bit of the rapping over the singing towards the end. Provacative lyrics. If you throw out "Get up in my uterus" on a track, you've got me sold. Great way to end the album.
Track Mark = A

Overall, I can assure you that Dot Dash is an album that is both timely and relevant while being slightly ahead of it's time. In the same breath, I can say that there are many throwback qualities to it. Little intricacies scattered throughout are largely in part due to the production of QK's Dave Albarn and YOM's Maebh Cheasty. For more information on both artists, check out their sites here.