Tom Stephan’s protagonistic transatlantic club alter ego finally unleashed his Twisted opus, “Wowie Zowie” – a fierce concoction of tribal rhythms and industrial beats that reek of 4am big room club action. It’s not before time having already scored three American number one dance hits since 2002: “Irresistible” picked up where his debut, “The Revolution”, left off, getting lowdown ‘n’ dirty with Pet Shop Boys’ vocalist Sylvia Mason-James distinctive tones at the helm. A year later came the acid-etched “This Best Is”; before Celeda’s stark pleas atop “Dirty Filthy” gave Stephan a trio of chart toppers. The blueprint is replicated on the balance with star attraction, Neil Tennant, showing his appreciation for Stephan’s acclaimed Pet Shop Boys remixes by offering his distinctively monotone delivery to “Tranquilizer” a frenzy of twisted beats and darkly dramatic percussive house that matches the equally abstract lyrical content. His predominately gay following will appreciate the high campness of Samantha Fox featured on the overly kitsch “Sugar”; the real standout however are the head-swimmingly elaborate sound collages of darker percussive elements, tough tribal beats and mesmerising progressive house moods found on “Bring It”, “U Know I Love It” and “Everything U”, that more than justify why “Wowie Zowie” will find a prime slot in a many a record box.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene
