More like different masks for the same face

After a decade of performing at parties the world over, Canadian DJ and producer Felix Cartal walks the line in his 13 track sophomore release Different Faces. Will 13 turn out to be Felix’ unlucky number or will this album turn become yet another Dim Mak banger?

“We Are All Aliens,” the intro track, sets the scene with symphonic analogue crescendo leading up to “H.U.N.T.,” a simple kick/clap house number which is highlighted only by Sebastian Grainger’s vocals. The album is punctuated by several good builds and breakdowns, notably “Triple Deke,” but otherwise most dance rhythms are uninspired. Some songs are so very basic that they seem like nothing more than remix bait, like “Life is a Sinewave,” while other tacks rely on the fact that you are listening to it through a Funktion1 sound system, like “Domo”. Aside from the superfluous guest vocalists (New Ivory, Katrina Noorbery, Miss Palmer), there really isn’t anything on Different Faces that hasn’t been done over and over since the ’90s.

EDM fans searching for innovation will be sorely disappointed with Different Faces, which is regrettable considering Felix’ renown as a DJ. It is anyone’s guess how this album made it to iTunes top 10 and how Felix continues to get gigs (way to hustle, Steve Aoki). Thankfully, like many DJs of today, Felix’ live sets tend to overshadow his “meh” music production. If you see Felix Cartal on a future party flier, don’t get discouraged. Just don’t get your hopes up either.