Sneaky Sound System

by John BushSneaky Sound System had been hitting the charts in their native Australia for a few months before the release of their self-titled production debut, but that's nothing compared to how long the act had been together -- Black Angus and Peter Dolso were working together as far back as 2001, had thrown parties all over Australia during subsequent years, and released a mix album (Other Peoples Music) in 2003. So, if the album sounds mature (and it does), it's because they'd been together for so long; and if it flows well (as it does), it's no doubt because the duo had been testing their productions in front of crowds for years. Sneaky's production skills are sizable too, ranking right alongside Scissor Sisters, Felix da Housecat, and Les Rythmes Digitales as some of the best '80s throwbacks heard since the '90s dawned. Where the album falls short is in its songwriting and in the vocal department. MC Double D (not to be confused with Double D) is a pedestrian rapper, and while vocalist Miss Connie serves well, her place on the continuum of '80s cool is closer to Pebbles than Shannon. Aside from the hit singles ("I Love It" and "Pictures"), there's little to recommend it as a full-length.