RUPESH CARTEL ANCHOR BABY ALBUM MEGAHYPE RELEASE: APRIL 15, 2009 REVIEW: APRIL 29, 2009

There are new ingredients in the Rupesh Cartel recipe this time and I think I know their origins. Mastermind Viktor Ginner has spent quite some time collaborating with other artists in the more contemporary dance/house scene, which has given "Anchor Baby" a taste of trendy clubs. The move away from more traditional synthpop sounds may be small, but very much noticeable.

One, crucial element that has remained solid within the Swedish duo is the pop sensibility and avid production skills. Technically the album is untouchable while some things have lagged musically compared to 2007's "The Disco and the What Not". The new, softer electronica-tinted version of the band have dropped some of the personality and edge present on earlier outputs. On the other hand, "Anchor Baby" might reach a larger audience as a result, as the club kids vastly outnumber the synthpop heads.

Rupesh Cartel have, again, constructed a solid album and they are still an electronic pop band, albeit covered in a neon coloured club blanket.

NIKLAS FORSBERG