Layo & Bushwacka! Edge Closer to Perfection

Layo & Bushwacka! have been responsible for some of dance music's most ground-breaking and unique moments and they herald 2006 with the release of 'Feels Closer', their third and finest album to date.

Fans of their sound will be more than satiated but also excited with the fresh approach they've taken, adding live musicians to their palette which unites such disparate worlds as techno, jazz, pop and even opera. It's a compelling proposition.

For the recording of 'Feels Closer' Layo Paskin and Matthew 'Bushwacka!' Benjamin decided to re-charge their batteries by leaving London for Brooklyn, New York. It was a city they had found inspiring and they hoped to harness its energy and creative buzz.

'Feels Closer' hits the ground running with the kooky electro-techno track Life2Live featuring the unmistakeable vocals of Green Velvet.

The title track Feels Closer boasts an insidious bass-line and a histrionic percussive display from jazz-funk legend Mino Cinelu who the guys met by chance when they were out one day getting their lunch!

Cementing the dynamic opening triumvirate is Ride The Train inspired by Joe Jackson's 80s hit Steppin' Out.

Smith St, named after their Brooklyn studio address, is free flowing jazz recorded live and features Groove Armada's Tim Hutton on trombone. Tim also sings vocals over Me and You.

Layo and Bushwacka! have always enjoyed a love affair with Brazil ('Love Story' was named after an after hours club there) and they pay tribute on Sunshine In Ipanema which features Rogerio Flausino of Brazilian's biggest group Jota Quest.

It proves Layo and Matthew are equally adept when they leave the dancefloor to write more downtempo music. "Half the album is downtempo and laidback," says Layo. "It's probably our warmest work to date. Our recording in New York and Brazil was a major influence and is reflected in the variety of music on the album."

'Isn't This A Lovely Day' is arguably the album's most inventive track fusing the vocals of Ella Fitzgerald with Louis Armstrong.

We've Been Here Before is aptly named as it's redolent of their formative 'Low Life' period and Dr Teeth' has a Metro Area flavour mixing the organic with the synthetic.

Hang Tough shifts in mood with a psychedelic keyboard motif and electro-bassline that may take the listener by surprise. The album concludes when the fat lady sings; the operatic and totally original Saudade.

Whether soundtracking the dancefloor or poolside you'll find a new favourite each time you listen to 'Feels Closer.

Welcome back Layo &Bushwacka!

TRACKLISTING:

1. Life2Live (featuring Green Velvet)
2. Feels Closer (featuring Mino Cinelu)
3. Ride The Train
4. Me and You (featuring Tim Hutton)
5. Smith Street
6. Sunshine In Ipanema (featuring Rogerio Flausino)
7. Dr. Teeth
8. Isn't This A Lovely Day (featuring Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong)
9. We've Been Here Before
10. Hang Tough
11. Saudade (featuring Jessy Mornar)

LAYO & BUSHWACKA!'S THIRD ALBUM 'FEELS CLOSER' IS OUT NOW THROUGH VELOCITY, A DIVISION OF SHOCK RECORDS Tags

• Layo & Bushwacka