Darkel – Darkel - Source Etc

Jean-Benoit Dunckel, perhaps better known as one half of late-90s loungey electro-heroes Air, has decided to strike out on his own using the bizarre alter-ego Darkel. The two years he has poured into this – only working after dark, he says – are not witho

Jean-Benoit Dunckel, perhaps better known as one half of late-90s loungey electro-heroes Air, has decided to strike out on his own using the bizarre alter-ego Darkel.

The two years he has poured into this - only working after dark, he says - are not without reward, as this is far from an electro also-ran patched together on his home computer.

Dunckel brings a sprightly funk feel and sprinkling of fiendishly catchy piano melodies to the now well-trodden Air template.

Aside from the pogo-dance-inducing pop punk of TV Destroy, the album slides along on a charming, colourful stream of electronica, swirling with traces of funk, hip-hop and chart-friendly pop. Refreshingly relaxing.

4/5