(Phantom/Sony)

Mousse T has been a little quiet since 1998’s smash hit “Horny”, a track that truly tested and quite often broke patience levels the world over back in the day when things were simpler, when there were no terrorists to worry about, when Iraq could be messed with from the safety of the Persian Gulf and before Kraftwerk disappointed billions of expectant fans with “Expo 2000”.

Yes, this track was another stab in the dark from me, Mousse T’s “impressive discography” includes, well, that “Horny” song and remixes of Tom Jones and Michael Jackson (they said it).  Whilst a little outside the realm of Kratwerk, Mousse T fans have been waiting 6 years for a follow up to “Horny” and I’m happy to report they won’t be disappointed.

“Horny’s” vocalist Emmma Lanford returns (did she ever leave?) for “Is It ‘Cos I’m Cool?” and the results are a more rock-edged sound with subtle feminist overtures.  Live drums and electric guitars replace the disco-house feel of Mousse T’s earlier work whilst the catchy vocal structure remains in what is a well-meaning, fun little number well adapted to summer drives and sunroofs. 

Lanford’s girl-power vocals are given prime precedence in a by the numbers mix and at a little under 4 minutes its all over before things get annoying.  Currently enjoying a fair bit of success overseas, this is well written, well meaning catchiness at it’s most subversive.  Stop humming it guys!