We can always count on a release from Modular Records to keep us up-to-date with the hip sounds of Australia’s dance scene. Their latest release comes in the form of House of Beni , the debut LP by Sydney DJ and producer Beni and it is no exception to the brilliant output Modular have given us time and time again.

Beni has had quite a career so far, being associated with the once-popular Riot In Belgium and the always-popular Bang Gang DJ’s - having this kind of experience pays off, knowing what people love and knowing how to give it to them should equip you well for your debut and this experience definitely shows on the intro track “Sway.”

Enlisting the help of Nomi Ruiz (of Jessica 6, and Hercules & Love Affair fame) was a fantastic idea as the unique singer melts perfectly with Beni’s funky-disco production – placing “Sway” as a must for any dance floor.

Following track “Last Night” is just as flawless in terms of both production and vocal work. However, curious R&B track “Your Body” and lead single “It’s A Bubble” slow things down a bit, the latter still retaining Beni’s penchant for clever funky-disco beats, but the vocals creating a very love/hate dichotomy – I lean on the ‘hate’ side.

Ex-member of The Rapture Matty Safer shows up “Someone Just like you” to change the direction of the album towards more indie-pop – and it works extremely well. If the hipsters of today don’t eat this track up I’d be very surprised.

When “O.P.U.L.E.N.C.E” and “Yeah” come around Beni takes the lead and manages to produce the kind of trendy dance tracks that should be heavily present throughout this festival season.

The production on “Love Scene” make this one of the albums shining moments, working very well with the vocals to cater to both indie and dance crowds.

“Zig Zags” is a rather curious inclusion, but should prove to be one of the more popular tracks from House of Beni – sounding like something you’d hear from Royksopp, the song is nothing you’d expect from listening to Riot In Belgium or participating in a Bang Gang, but it’s a trendy sound that should make Beni’s album much more accessible.

Overall, the album sounds like a massive success and it would be criminal to ignore such a well-produced group of songs. Including all the trendy sounds of today in its range, House of Beni, should be enjoyed by all young lovers of music – whether you want to dance or just chill out, Beni’s got you covered.

Review Score: 8.5/10