Faithless

The production genius of Rollo and Sister Bliss — typically centred on the softly spoken, lyrically hard-as-flint rap of Maxi Jazz — provides the core of Faithless, an exceptional pop/clubland outfit known for inviting guests like Dido (Rollo's sister) and LSK under their broad dance umbrella. Get stuck into the breakthrough tracks "Insomnia", "Salva Mea", and "Reverence".

Now, decide if "God Is a DJ" or "God is Beckham", and then move on to our Faithless Next Steps.

To All New Arrivals, from 2006, showcases to strong effect the Faithless technique of pulling in well-chosen guest vocalists to suit the mood of the tracks they've created. The barely perceptible cracks in Cat Power's voice add warmth and intimacy to "A Kind of Peace", while Cass Fox lends serenity to "Music Matters" (remixed here by Swedish DJ Axwell).

Faithless feel the adulation from a huge audience, and take a trip to remix city, in Deep Cuts.

No salute to Faithless would be complete with a taste of the outfit in a live setting, as they propel devoted congregations of ravers towards a higher plane of dance-euphoria. "Sweep" and "Machines R US", both recorded at London's Alexandra Palace in April 2005, do the trick nicely. Hidden gem: the electro-bubble-poppin' of "Lotus" from 2002's excellent Outrospective (Reperspective the Remixes) fleshed-out reissue.

Built around the triumvirate of Maxi Jazz (Buddhist, rapper), Sister Bliss (classically trained pianist, DJ), and Rollo (production god, Dido's elder brother), Faithless is synonymous with all that's rich and rewarding in the club/pop universe. Impossible to shackle with a label, the outfit has made it their ongoing mission to stimulate brain, body, and soul: surrender to the hypnosis of "Reverence" and marvel at the dust-crackle percussion on the uplifting "Don't Leave". In short, believe.