Kontpab (K)

Much like Raydoncong 2005, Mahjongg’s undeniably danceable debut, Kontpab, proves the Chicago quintet’s members to be masters of booty-shaking beats. No matter what the style, from Detroit house to dance punk, chances are the band has mashed it into its repertoire. Opener “Pontiac” plays like an African highlife band covering Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll (Part 2)”, as the intro’s polyrhythmic thumb piano and shakers blend into a glammed-out rock beat. Elsewhere, slick disco synths and chicken-picked guitars dominate the club banger “Problems”.

With such a strong focus on groove, singing seems secondary on Kontpab. Drummer Josh Johannpeter’s choppy rap on “Kottbusser Torr” is buried in the mix and serves mostly as another rhythm in the densely layered dance track. Definitely not afraid to step out of the discos and into the mosh pit, “Those Birds Are Bats” blasts through on punky bass chords and tinny crash cymbals while a distorted chorus mangles a show tune–style melody. Closer “Rise Rice” brings the disc back to the clubs with hypnotically whirring keyboards and frantic jungle rhythms. Judging by its massive cross section of beats, Mahjongg’s latest could serve as a cure-all for dance-floor wallflowers and party poopers worldwide.