Since I Left You

Simply put: Since I Left You is a brilliant collage of music, brilliantly pasted together.

There's little doubt to Since I Left You's status as one of the most intimate and emotional dance records that isn't vocal-based.

The Avalanches have managed to build a totally unique context for all these sounds, while still allowing each to retain its own distinct flavor. As a result, Since I Left You sounds like nothing else.

The Avalanches have found their irreverent, bittersweet take on pop turned into one of the albums of the year.

With no gaps between its 18 tracks, just a relentless party groove, Since I Left You is so madly glad, it’s demented ... Gravity, in every sense, is abandoned. Go with their flow.

Beautifully mixes up hundreds of third-party compositions into something somehow greater than the sum of its parts.

This album does require an open mind, not unlike when you first listened to The Roots — remember that? — or a Swizz beat — like “Money, Cash, Hoes” or, better yet, “Ruff Ryders Anthem.” Don’t worry about that, though. Chances are the first listen will crack your head wide the fuck open anyway.

Since I Left You is a highly enjoyable concoction.

One of the most joyous and poignant party albums ever.

British producers should take notes.

A record that finally fulfils sampling's original promise of generating fabulous new sounds from skilfully lifted bits of existing tracks.

Every track on their debut is a restless, ever-morphing collage of R&B, pop, and rock samples that continually keeps you off balance.

Since I Left You is as sunny as an Australian summer, harnessing a wide range of music - soul, hip-hop, warped analog synths, disco, orchestral crescendos - with the new-toy joy of early sampling-based rap and a dance-music sensibility.

Into Love Boat drug music for fashion runways and neo-hippie gay weddings? Then the Avalanches, Australia’s buzzing dance export, have the disc for you.