The latest offering in the house music genre from the talented pen of Cam Farrar is the self-titled (after the music category, at least) CD by Kikumoto Allstars, which is the amusing nom-de-plume for the Australian producer/mix maniac. Released on International Deejay Gigolo Records, it is the second of Cam’s dedications to that label, from his prolific series of house music titles (usually singles) that he insists on refining release after release.

What results is the usual retrospective view of the music scene that so many other artists have now left behind to progress into a never-ending morass of electronica. Personally, I have no problem with what Cam is doing. As the others have departed, he has remained true to the type and is actually producing a sound that is as refreshing now, as it was back in the days of acid house boogie, with its screaming basslines and surprisingly familiar melodies. Listen to this album and you will be transported back into the early-1990s and the warehouse or remote barn of your choice, which is a pleasurable and fun-packed departure from the current flood of inanity.

Yet, as Cam writes on the album cover, this one is dedicated to all of the pioneers of modern dance music and he lists Chi Town 1985, Marshall Jefferson, Larry Heard, Adonis, DJ Pierre, Bam Bam, Mike Dunn, Farley Jackmaster Funk and Armando (RIP). As a fitting homage to the entire modern dance music scene, it is almost enough to bring a tear to your eye. The album contains twelve tracks of mildly cleaned-up and judiciously remixed house magic, which has been aided and abetted by the likes of writers R. Lenoir and L Thompson, while vocal assistance was provided by Fi B Haven on tracks three and eight. Inevitably, Tadao Kikumoto and his masterful disciples take a welcome credit for their remarkable XOX machines, none of which, it should be remembered, would have been possible without the intervention of Cam Farrar. Big ‘Up’ to Farrar!