A Cross the Universe (Live)

iTunes Review

From their road-tested wardrobe (lots of beat-up leather and vintage T-shirts) to their minimal-but-menacing (helloooo Marshall stacks!) live shows, it’s no secret that Justice would rather be considered rock stars than demigods of dance music. They’re quite convincing in the role of R&R superstars, too, as proven during A Cross the Universe’s San Francisco set and a documentary that glorifies the duo’s arena-rocking lifestyle. Not to mention such priceless details as their gun-toting tour manager, an impromptu Vegas marriage to a fan, and Xavier de Rosnay singing “Under the Bridge” alongside a stone-faced Anthony Kiedis. As for Justice’s actual music, it’s cut to ribbons over the course of 18 tracks, including snippets of Soulwax, Franz Ferdinand, Klaxons, and Metallica and such Justice standards as “We Are Your Friends,” “D.A.N.C.E.” and “Waters of Nazareth.” It’s all a bit too caffeinated for early morning listening — or the late afternoon for that matter — but if you’re looking for an excuse to thump your chest in the comfort of your living room, this highly concentrated adrenaline shot is a good start.