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Two New York DJs decide they too can form a band so they do so , calling in favours from friends like Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion), Jaleel Bunton (TV On The Radio) and various others.

The sound is essentially funk-lite with some disco synths and cartoon soul vamping going on. Opening track The Journey to Serra Da Estrela sets the scene with its antiseptic plastic electro-funk stylings. It is harmless enough but provides little in the way of interest or a desire to dance.

Testimony features the guitar of Bunton and he gives it some Hendrix distortion and a psychedelic touch but still can’t drag the song out of its meanderings. If anyone can add some energy to a record you would expect Jon Spencer to do so. Give It A Rest should be played at double the tempo and it would be a great song. Unfortunately it lumbers along and Jon Spencer sounds like a wet fish flapping around in the background.

The highlight of the album is 15 To 20 from that Bonds ad. It is one of the few tracks that actually lifts the heart rate and features some nice Blondie/Deee Lite lyrical lip twisting. Still on the laid-back tip it at least pulses with some sharper cool than the rest of the record. Baby also delivers a nice soulful vocal melody and doesn’t sound forced.

The Martyr gives us some sub-Beastie Boy garage funk without the attitude and Tears drifts dangerously close to Moby territory.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band in no way live up to their self-promoting name, with a limp and thin sound the only handclapping they bring to mind is the slow clap of a bored crowd seeking some excitement and action from their team.