CD Review: The Phenomenal Handclap Band

By: Steve Klinge - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted: 7/2/09

Although they share NYC dance-club roots with LCD Soundsystem and !!!, the Phenomenal Handclap Band are less interested in writing manifestos and punk-funk workouts than in celebrating disco glamour and sexy soundtracking. DJs-turned-producers Daniel Collas and Sean Marquand and their six bandmates emphasize breadth on their debut, from the Scissor Sister-ly "All of the Above" to the psychedelic slow jams "Testimony" and "Baby" to the perky, irresistible "15 to 20," which takes cues from the Tom Tom Club. It's anchored by a steady disco pulse, breathy flutes and spacey keyboards.

Collas and Marquand drafted friends to moonlight on their debut, including singers Aurelio Valle (Calla), Carol C (Si Se) and Lady Tigra and TV on the Radio guitarist Jaleel Bunton. It may be premature to call the Handclap Band phenomenal - the album is an uneven hodgepodge - but they're certainly groovy, imaginative fun.