MSTRKRFT - "Fist of God"

This album was my introduction to MSTRKFT. This music definitely makes me feel like I have A.D.D. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I surely wouldn't recommend "Fist of God" as study music.

On first listen, I would say this album sounds like a harder-hitting Daft Punk with a little bit of rap flavor questionably mixed in. The album features many interesting collaborations with well-known rappers such as N.O.R.E. (formerly Noriega), E-40, Lil' Mo, and Ghostface Killah. I think MSTRKRFT could've picked a bit better in terms of choosing artists that match the mood/beat of the music. I commend the effort to mix genres nonetheless.

"Bounce" is probably the most radio-ready song on the album and sets you in a party atmosphere with N.O.R.E. as your MC. This was really the only collaboration on the CD that I thought to work out decently. I also particularly enjoy "1000 Cigarettes" because it is one of the few instrumental songs that actually allows MSTRKRFT to show off their skill without a bellowing voice to ruin it all.

MSTRKRFT did do a great job on mixing the CD though, as the transitions from song to song seem to be nearly flawless. On the other hand, this makes it difficult to remember which tracks you like! But it does give the album more of a club feel.

So, hopefully you realize that you can choose to completely disregard what I'm about to say because I really don't have any musical talent, but only an ear for music that I consider to be "good"...

To become a great artist, MSTRKRFT needs to diversify their beats more, break off to their own unique sound so that they aren't completely reminiscent of Daft Punk (because they're easily mistaken as such), and find better matches in style for collaborations. THEN, I will take a serious listen to what they've got goin' on. For now, "Fist of God" will do and does have its highlights.

My vote: 2.5 stars
My favorite tracks: "1000 Cigarettes" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap286UhKQVo & "Bounce" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USF4z9w-V_U&feature=related