Mahjongg, Chandeliers

Roulé is the newest split release from two of the finest groups in the Chicago-tronic music scene, Mahjongg and the Chandeliers. The title, “rolls” in French, nods in the direction of the electronic musician Thomas Bangalter. The Chandeliers side, mastered by Dave Cooley (Elysian Masters), presents five of the group’s most thoughtful and realized works, each a microcosm of a world that sounds cooler and more elegant than your own: this is music that you can lay out in your favorite Parisian opium den, chain-smoking Gauloises to. Within the elegance of Chandeliers oeuvre, “Sugarscoop” literally activates their side with a sweat enhancing dance party. The Mahjongg side is perceivably grittier, but it still moves in the direction of the groove. They might be making music for the world, but “Running on Air” is one for the radio - a pop masterpiece from a band that always seemed poised to purvey sweet pop satisfaction but normally they harshen it up with tincture of sarcasm first. Their side of the record is mastered by Cooper Crain (CAVE) and hits you like a diesel-powered semi. The stunning Illuminati-inspired artwork comes from Chris Kalis of the Chandeliers: satisfaction guaranteed. (label info)