Party Hard. Or Else.

In the vaguely menacing gloam of this first dying decade of the 21st century, the people continue to party hard. It's an obsessive, have-fun-or-die type of mindset that cannot be deterred, no matter the consequences. And to a large extent, Frenchy sensations Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk can be held responsible, driving as they do the party zeitgeist among hardcore, indie dance kids — both superyoung and sorta old. The reason: These two dudes make music that provides one of the many missing links between the pissed-off, leather-clad punk attitude of the late '70s and the E-ed out electro/new rave/blog house scene of right now.

That's also why DJ Falcon, a.k.a. Stephan Queme — part of the ever-expanding universe of Daft Punk cronies and collaborators dubbed "Daft Crew" — enjoys almost instant credibility wherever MTV2 is broadcast. And his stats are stellar, including a co-production credit on Daft Punk's 1997 debut full-length Homework as well as a cluster of collabs with Bangalter ("Call on me," "So much love to give," and "Together") that round up his bourgeoning oeuvre. But don't misjudge, the Falcon isn't just a spinoff; he's a club killer all his own. Witness the fact when he charges through SET next Saturday, alongside resident Chicco Secci. Expect the playlist to include some of his own bloggy bombs, the requisite Daft Punk, and other stuff like Simian Mobile Disco, Rye Rye, Boys Noize, etc. From there, you know what to do ... Basically, have fun or die.
Sat., Aug. 8, 2009