Kish Kash plays host to such high-profile singers as *NSYNC's JC Chasez, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Siouxsie Sioux, and the Bellrays' Lisa Kekaula, while bringing attention to lesser-known singers such as Cotlyn Jackson, Phoebe, and Dizzee Rascal (recent recipient of the much-touted Mercury Music Prize in the U.K.). With all of these collaborations, however, the Jaxx focus less on working around the styles the vocalists are known for, and more on bringing out new vocal possibilities with each. Rascal's snarls are set against a Middle Eastern melody on "Lucky Star," Kekaula screams against the uptempo blasts of "Good Luck," and Chasez's high pitches are looped and messed with to an agreeable point of no recognition on "Plug It In."
Kish Kash's boundary-free punk attitude allows for dense layering of styles, creating a hard-to-pinpoint hybrid that is accessible as opposed to congested. Any confusion you might expect to feel upon hearing the juxtaposition of punk, soul, funk, dance, etc. is completely wiped away by Basement Jaxx's elaborate yet meticulous arrangements, leaving you pleasantly knocked out.
