Mingle

The Age

Friday October 10, 2008

Kylie Northover

Mingle

The Saturday Knights (Light in the Attic/Intertia) 4/5

This kicking debut album from Seattle hip-hop outfit the Saturday Knights blends Beach Boys-style surf-rock harmonies, old-school rap lyrics, straight-up rock, smart-arse wordplay and some fine '80s scratching; an ambitious diversity of styles in just 13 tracks, but it works brilliantly. The Saturday Knights, who already have a reputation in their hometown as a hip-hop party band, often appearing live with an 11-piece band, manage to reinvigorate the rap-rock genre - but think Beastie Boys, rather than Limp Bizkit. Album opener and first single, 45, featuring Nirvana producer Jack Endino on drums, will surely be a summer dance floor filler, while I Go heads into heavier territory and features Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil. Then on The Gospel they almost veer into country rock - but don't be put off; Mingle's flirtations with different genres don't become tiresome or self-conscious. Elsewhere there are guest appearances from the Muscle Shoals Horns and the Dap-Kings. Mingle is the summer party album of the year. -- KYLIE NORTHOVER

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