The Mythical Beasts – Communicate review

Artist
The Mythical Beasts

Title
Communicate

Label
International Feel

Format
Limited 180 gram vinyl 12"

Buy vinyl

Given the sheer number of British artists releasing on International Feel, we’re beginning to think that a free trip to Punta Del Este is offered as part of any record deal. Indeed rumours (possibly started in the Juno Plus office) persist that Bubble Club, Gatto Fritto and Coyote have all been spotted walking around London in recent weeks sporting unseasonable tans. The latest to potentially be soaking up rays on the South Atlantic coast of Uruguay are The Mythical Beasts, aka Felix Dickinson and Toby Tobias. If either of these names need further introduction then back to those disco night classes with you! As The Mythical Beasts, Dickinson and Tobias present an altogether more lackadaisical sound, with “Communicate” fully channeling the sound of Dutch icon Jan Hammer, as sleazy 80s synths combine with the most glacial of funk riffs.

This wouldn’t be an International Feel twelve without some exquisite artwork (check) and a discerning selection of accompanying remixes. On this occasion we are suitably stocked with a variety of takes from Permanent Vacation, Alphabet City and Das Volt. The Munich duo lead the way with a tight tropical disco take that ups the pace, brings out some hollow percussion and focuses on a particularly introspective xylophone melody. Up next, Alphabet City prove their recent Under The Shade EP was no fluke with a chunky yet glistening electro funk reimagination. Our personal favourite, however, is the spooked out Giallo disco take from Late Night Audio’s Das Volt.

Tony Poland