Gan-Ban started life as a record shop in Shibuya, expanded into event promotion and now will release its first compilation CD on May 28.
"Hooligans on E" is perhaps not the most attractive name for a release, but no need to worry — the title is a reference to the compilation's final track rather than a homage to the sweaty south London basement events that are frequented by by soccer-loving thugs.
The overriding theme of the album is music that connects the dots between electro and rock. Most of the featured artists sound like they are influenced by '80s electro or mid-'90s rave music.
Highlights on the album include Surkin's excellent "White Knight Two," which would not sound out of place on an early Moby album, "Big Money Comin'," which includes a rather uplifting buildup, and an Ajax remix of "Shadows," a superb track by Australian dance-rock outfit Midnight Juggernauts.
The album's sole disappointment is that despite including more than a few exclusive tracks, the most well-known band included on the release, Justice, have only contributed the radio edit of their hit single, "DVNO."
The album is a must-buy for anybody who has attended Gan-Ban parties or enjoys the crossover sound popularized by 2 Many DJs, and is quite refreshing in its approach.
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