Australian artists have been warring with the French legions for domination of the electro-pop scene for the past few years. The likes of Cut Copy, The Presets and Midnight Juggernauts have been clashing swords with Daft Punk understudies Cassius, Justice and The Teenagers. Being biased, I think the Aussie boys have the upper hand at present, but that is neither here nor there. After years of battle with the frogs, Aussie artists have now turned their focus towards electro/hip-hop/baile funk/booty bass, a scene that’s generally been dominated by Spank Rock, Diplo and their massive and generally American posse of original artists and remixers. To be fair CSS, Bonde De Role and the like have set the trend, relating some old skool hip hop vocals mashed with today’s electro crunch and big booty bass.

Australia’s newest blogosphere darlings are Melbourne 4-piece Gameboy/Gamegirl (GB/GG), who borrow elements from the aforementioned artists but still add that distinctive Oz touch. Comprised of vocalists Jessica and Katy and producers Tranter and Miami Horror (who you may recognise from his sublime remixes of Faker and The Dirty Secrets), GB/GG had their debut EP Golden Ghetto Sex in the works for a while, with tracks floating around the internet in various forms for well over a year. It was picked up as the first release on Ajax’s new label Sweat It Out.

The lead single is Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp (I think they must have a thing for backslashes), and it’s a very vocal affair with Jessica, Katy and Tranter all getting in on the action very early. It’s comprised of simple synth breakdowns and chunky bassline with a broken hip hop beat. The lyrics are mostly smutty innuendos about parties, boys and fruit, and it can get a tad repetitive at times, but they must be taken with a grain of salt. A lot of the music can be compared to the booty/big bass scene, but with broken beats and sexual flavour.

The EP also comes with three remixes, two of Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp and one of Pumps and Rumps. The Ooh-Ee remix of Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp replaces the hip hop swing with a more tradition 4/4 kick, also adding some 80s synths and makes it generally a little more danceable. Yama Indra of Damn Arms, under his G.L.O.V.E.S moniker, gives Sweaty Wet/Dirty Damp another 4/4 makeover, although a little heavier than the Ooh-Ee mix by fattening up the bassline and transforming it into a dancefloor monster. The last remix is by London duo Zombie Disco Squad, who also take a traditional house beat to Pumps and Rumps, then throw in a rather lovely piano riff and bass-out the vocals. This transforms it into a bit of Chicago house tune. It’s probably my favourite of the bunch.

If you are looking for some deep and meaningful electronic music then turn the page, but if good fun and party starting is on your agenda, then Gameboy/Gamegirl are definitely worth a look. They have quite an original sound and it can be said there probably aren’t any other Aussie artist that are doing something similar. Gameboy/Gamegirl need to be taken – like their lyrics – with tongue firmly planted in cheek.