Prinzhorn Dance School’s sophomore album, Clay Class, releases a quiet energy amongst a dark landscape, inarguably in tune with the downtrodden economic situations that have permeated modern life in the band’s native Britain, and conversely, along our shores. Tobin Prinz and Suzi Horn form a compelling duo whose shout-and-answer approach, paired with edgy and steady bass/drum patterns, achieves perfection in songs such as “Seed, Crop, Harvest” and “Your Fire Has Gone Out.” The album is constructed on the emblem of empty space, as songs such as “I Want You” bridge the gap between musical minimalism and cold intimacy. The oscillation between starkness and warmth pays homage to the band’s debut 2007 release, while also creating a modern, if not postmodern, musical snapshot of life across the pond, as well as in our own backyards.

Give it a listen below, before you purchase the vinyl edition, limited edition pouch + download combo, or a download from any of the fine stores below. If you’re in the European part of the world, check them out live over the next couple of months. Full list of gigs on the ‘Horn facebook. If you’d like to know what they look like, check out the adorable video they did for Happy In Bits.

Buy digitally on: iTunes | Amazon | JunoDownload

Buy physically at: DFA Direct

The two grizzled bears themselves – Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip fame) and Raf Rundell – teamed up to create a hyper-melodic homage to their hometown of London, mixing and muddling genres of ancient dancefloor rock and uplifting reggae to create a jocular album of individual hits. The bouncing, inviting opening pulsations of “The Birds & The Bees” offer a lightness that is instantly offset by deep house vibrations that provide the backbone of the album. The earnest catchphrases of “Bear Hug” – “I want to give you a bear hug” – reveal the sweet sentimentality embedded within the thick house-y beats. First single “Work” is a true hands-in-the-air house anthem, piano stabs, 4/4 stride and a very major chorus. The LP as a whole reveals a collection of instant classics that would be just at home pulsating from the speakers of a dance club as well as a home turntable.  Cliche? Yep! True? Double yep! Vinyl and imported deluxe 2xCDs are shipping from the new dfa direct shop, and check out the digital below. For those on the fence, give it a listen below – we dare you! Get mauled.

out now @ iTunes | juno download | amazon