Junkie X

“Today” (Ultra Records)

Sounds like: Mint Royale, The Chemical Brothers, Sasha

REVIEW: 4 / 5

In short: “Today” is an ethereal and engaging product from one of house music’s “still got it” artists.

It’s a shame the only chance most of the pop-going United States will have a chance to hear the emotional workings of mastermind Tom Holkenberg will most likely be in a future Mitsubishi commercial.

Holkenberg, otherwise known by alias Junkie XL, did garner mainstream success with his beat-infused remix of Elvis’s “A Little Less Conversation.” Unfortunately for the mainstream public, trite Bryan Adams-cover tracks performed by psuedo-Blue Man Group members and a particularly tired song by Darude are its only exposure to electronic music. And don’t get me started on Cascada. Ew.

It’s time for a change. Although “Today” doesn’t spark of mind-blowing ingenuity, it stays solid throughout – an uncommon feat with all of the Daft Punks and Crystal Methods of the world. But I digress (again).

“Today” opens up with the moving “Youthful,” a blend of moody strings and captivating vocals. Things get kicked up a notch with title track “Today,” a VHS or Beta carbon copy that, despite its questionable underpinnings, works, and works well.

It’s hard not to recommend “Today,” even to those that never have been exposed to electronic music. The entire album strays from overly long breakdowns and raunchy beats all too familiar with your typical techno club. It also somehow manages to maintain an edge without becoming waifish (I’m looking at you, BT), a line Holkenberg has walked for years – and hasn’t missed yet.

– Rob Lombardi