Sweet 16

VINYL FORMAT. Welcome to Thunderheist and their debut 12" for Big Dada. Listen. You can hear the buzz for their eponymous debut album growing by the minute. "Sweet 16" is a perfectly judged slice of disco-punk. Producer Grahmzilla hooking up a beat which sounds like the Clash hanging out at Studio 54 while Isis tells of the joys and dangers of being sixteen and ruling the dancefloor. It's not clear whether the "natural stage genius" (Time Out) is encouraging under-age sex, cautioning against it or just suggesting engaging in some healthy exhibitionism. Whatever the message she makes it sound great. "Cruise Low" is as low-slung and bass-heavy as you'd expect from the title, Isis whispering about popping the trunk with a mixture of enticement and threat. Bonus track "whateveruneed" is an epic instrumental electro-symphony from Grahmzilla's hard drive. NY mover and shaker Eli Escobar rounds out the package with a mix of "Sweet 16" which harks all the way back to "Planet Rock."

There's something infectiously unpretentious and genuine about Thunderheist. They like going out and having a good time and have made the records to reflect this-- party music for people who really like partying. 2009 is set to be a huge year for them. This is just the start.