With Prince’s crowning residence at the O2 Arena ended and musicians like Justin Timberlake unfortunately moving towards a more hip hop sound, I ask you this question. Who’s gonna funk us up now? A good healthy dose of funk is good for the hips and as a means to get close to that hot guy or girl on the dance floor. Germany’s Michael Fakesch is a man who with his debut album Dos has combined the classic funk sound of Prince and to a lesser extent Michael Jackson with a good old dose of electro.

Dos is an album that is unquestionably funktastic and as Michael says on the first song ‘Escalate’, “I’m everything you need”. Michael Fakesch has cultivated a sound, which, with its electronic beats and twiddles, is unquestionably modern. At first listen one may think that Har Mar Superstar has returned minus the joking lyrics. Michael has a voice quite similar to the pervy Har Mar but the beats are more professional, more confident and more astute. It laces its sexuality in the squeaks of the turntable and beat box.

So what about the songs? ‘I Want It’ is pulsating, slinky and undeniably sexual with a throbbing electronic beat and suggestive lyrics. ‘On The Floor’ is a nasty, filthy song sung by a voice that sounds like a banshee having sex. That may sound weird but it is incredibly affective. It’s filth, there’s no denying it, as Michael screams “Lets get on the floor!” to a throbbing beat that is achingly good. However it is in songs like ‘Escalate’ where you see the comparisons to that artist formally known by an odd little symbol. It positively pulsates and is littered with provocative lyrics.

Dos is an album to test many fans of old funk. It sounds like the next technological level of the genre, while also appealing to fans of electronic music too. Michael has delivered an album that drowns in electronic break beats. It is this mix that elevates this album above the other graduates from the School of Prince. Here is 21st century funk fused successfully with modern electro and break beat. It may be a bit too dependent on technology and the computer. The more natural sound of a guitar would add a more basic feel to accentuate the sexuality. Near the end the quality also dips but there is enough here to get anyone frisky.

Michael Fakesch has created a slinky and very funky album. It is a musical black dress that will at times appeal to many people and many styles- So let’s all get sexed up to Dos!

Conor O'Neill is a winetaster and former Buenos Airen, studying History and Politics in Trinity.
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