From reading up on the band, I've found that their music was previously a "World Pop" style of music, with reggae, ska, and a few African musical styles. This album is the first for the band to incorporate electronic elements in their music, with vocal distortion and synths taking on a new role in the music. It appears that the band has also undergone a lineup shift for this release, as lead vocalist/guitarist Erin Harpe now is joined by Jim Countryman on Bass Guitar and MicL PTVN on keyboards. All that being said, these four original songs have a funk element to the music that makes each and every song prime dancefloor material. Although, after seeing the titles of the songs, I was concerned that they might be like the more contemporary "booty" focused songs - which means they'd be trashy. However, these songs all keep a spirit of fun at their core without resorting to filthiness. The balance of the album is a little heavily swayed toward the remixes, which normally would be a detriment to the album. However, here they are diverse enough in style to make the repetitive factor not become the issue it could. The "Bombay Booty Machine" remix uses samples from what sounds like a India-native woman giving a meditation lesson on a record. Very unusual, to say the least. The following remix of "Get It On Down" uses a lo-fi crunchy beat over isolated vocals and a very simple synth lead to create a mix that's surprisingly enjoyable. The "Rebooty" remix, also done by Mark Moon, has a similar overall approach, but not as much emphasis on the beat. The "Sitting And Loving" dub of "Sitting And Watching" slows the track down considerably, molding it into a laid-back lounge groove., while the "sittingwatchingwaitingthinking" mix of the song makes the song sound like it recorded like in a old gospel choir setting. The "Boots Booty" remix adds a funky guitar lead and a strange acoustic guitar jam onto the track. Just odd, and not particularly engaging. The Kraftwerk-esque electro feel of the "Show Yr Love" remix easily made it one of my favorites. Overall, this is a very interesting release. Lovewhip have certainly carved out a unique niche here, combining reggae, funk, rock and electropop to make a very distinctive sound. Given the nature of this album and it's heavily weighted nature toward the remixes, it's a little hard to judge just the band on it's sound, but I think they've found a promising new arena of music to explore here. Recommended!

Finally, a digable groovin' disc is circulating. Lovewhip knows what people are thirsty for - and meet the need by quenching the soul track after track!

Lovewhip unveils a new CD, and what a surprise. The only recognizable detail that flags Virtual Booty Machine as a Lovewhip release is the booty part, complete with commands to shake same. Otherwise, it’s as if Lovewhip, that danceable mélange of calypso and African beats, fell through a breach in the space/ time continuum and emerged as dance club mavens. Circa 1982. Virtual Booty Machine is four original tracks with seven DJ remixes, pulsing with beats, synths, samples, and loops that are decidedly un-juju-ish. The title track is a disco-synth drill with Erin Harpe’s normally vivid vocals going robotic to fit the theme. It’s tuneful, but is rather a tedious listen unless, perhaps, you’re actually dancing. The island-flavored “Sitting and Watching” is prettier, more Lovewhip-like but sounds very close to a post-1970s Blondie (think “Tide is High” and “Island of Lost Souls”). Rooted by a thick bass line and enhanced by effects-laden vocals and synth-drenched fuzz, “Get It On Down” explores all the quirky dance hooks of early Devo. This Lovewhip release is still a dance party, kids. They’ve just replaced Tiki dolls and palm trees with strobe lights and disco balls.

I dropped in the Virtual Booty Machine cd from Lovewhip. Some indie reviews are like a visit to the dentist office.. you don't know what to expect and come out in a lot of pain. But.. hey.. it's what I do. So I was quite taken when I found out the first 10 seconds of the cd didn't suck... at all. Actually, this was nice.. real nice. Actually, it's pretty jammin'. Oh, imagine my joy when I found out the Lovewhip is Boston based! Boston? Why that's driving distance! (Hmm. perhaps IMS needs to do it's first live show review??) Show Your Love opens the cd with a solid groove under rap-esque verses and smooth, soulful choruses. Not exactly deep, meaningful lyrics.. but this song is far more about the groove and fun. Virtual Booty Machine is pretty similar in purpose and substance. There's a lot of production on this track with it's underlying Nintendo sounding rhythm. Sitting and Watching switches to a Motown-ish feel. It's a departure from the first two tracks but not out of place on the cd at all. It's a side dish to help the meal breathe. I think it's a splash of class across the canvas. Get It On Down is a little more 60's (early 70's?) pop/soul/rock with a solid, infectious groove to it. The next seven cuts are various remixes of a number of the other songs. All distinct. And all as enjoyable as the originals. I think the only thing I would have changed is making the remixes longer. If you have any interest in dance pop, this is a very safe purchase. This is one I'll hold on to and revisit. And I wasn't entirely joking about the road trip.