Hercules and Love Affair

iTunes Review

Plenty of artists update old-school disco with a nod and a wink, but not Hercules & Love Affair. Andrew Butler, the mastermind behind the project, clearly loves the form and its gay cultural associations, and on this outstanding debut his non-ironic passion comes through loud and clear. Despite the fact that he draws from older styles of dance music (not to mention Greek mythology), Butler and his vocalist collaborators — Antony, Kim Ann Foxman, and Nomi — have created an artful disc that feels utterly contemporary. The stunning single, “Blind,” features Antony letting loose lyrics that equate loneliness with sightlessness. Latin percussion and a classic disco bass line drive the irresistible backing track, which comes tricked out with jazzman Steve Bernstein’s trumpet. “You Belong,” an update of the 1980s club sound known as Freestyle, cruises along with Nomi on lead vocals and Antony backing her up. Foxman steps into the spotlight on “Athene,” and her odd, thin voice nicely contrasts with the cut’s rough chug. Butler, who co-produced the album with DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy, plays keyboards and adds vocals on various songs. And on “This Is My Love,” he sings in a fashion that is both low-key and gripping.