The difference in the basic sound of
MSTRKRFT's first album,
Looks, and the follow-up, Fist of God, isn't huge. Both are built around buzzing old-school synths, thunderous drums, and jumpy, floor-filling disco and robo-funk. The main change is that the vocodered vocals than dominated
Looks have been replaced by a parade of collaborators who include
Ghostface Killah,
E-40,
Freeway,
John Legend,
N.O.R.E., and Jahmal of Toronto band
the Carps. "It Ain't Love," which matches a storming rhythm track with a fiery vocal from
Lil' Mo, is the record's highlight. The rest is filled with good-time dance music that won't inspire repeated listens but might sound good over speakers in a nightclub. ~ Tim Sendra