Various Artists – The Rapture: Tapes (!K7 / Inertia)

!K7’s new ‘Tapes’ series sets out to do a fairly similar thing to the label’s longrunning ‘DJ Kicks’ series, the difference being that the compilers aren’t committed to the exclusive tracks and associated touring. For this debut volume, NYC punk-funkers The Rapture lay down a 22 track, 74 minute mix session of influences and inspirations that’s likely to prove no surprise to those already familiar with their preceding two albums. In this case, the predominant focus of the first half falls upon classic funk and disco offerings from the likes of The Bar-Kays, The Undisputed Truth and Northend, before shifting down into more electro-laced house grooves from Armand Van Helden, Cajmere and Syclops. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a band that draws its template equally from Mr Fingers and the Sugarhill Gang, and it goes down an absolute treat.