Sébastian Tellier – Kiss The Beast

Spun in the spirit of Studio 54, ‘Thrill of the Night’ is the standout track from Sébastian Tellier’s expansive yet intimate ‘Kiss the Beast’ LP — it’s also an outlier. Produced by French Touch star SebastiAn (not confusing at all), the disco cut boasts hyperpop star SLAYYYTER and classic Nile Rogers riffs, but the big dancefloor moments end there. House heads may leave underwhelmed, but it’s a mistake to sell the full package short. Resonant synths, sparkling instrumental accents and emotive performances by Tellier (as well as a raw feature from Kid Cudi on the rich and immersive ‘Amnesia’) weave the project together. The album ultimately spotlights an enduring artist’s broad influence on global pop music — one that’s rocked bodies and souls since the turn of the millennium.