Dan Black spent several years collaborating with dance acts such as
Bag Raiders, but his wonky pop returns more or less unchanged on his second album,
Do Not Revenge. The luminous album opener "Wash Away" is a fine example of
Black's flair for combining singer/songwriter intimacy with vivid electro-pop arrangements; likewise, "Space Invaders" bounces, wobbles, and stutters, mixing bleeping synths with strings in its kinetic production.
Black also collaborates with two of the 21st century's most unique female artists:
Kelis brings vitality to "Farewell," while
Imogen Heap's lovely vocals (along with some well-placed handclaps and harp) elevate "We Drift On." Other highlights include the chiptune-tinged lullaby "Ballad of Player 1Up," "Blow"'s clever lyrics, and the ear-catching beats and hooks of "Headphones," all of which reflect the album's artistic aspirations -- its title comes from a Basquiat painting, and it inspired the interactive project 12 Songs, 12 Experiences. ~ Heather Phares