[Connaisseur Recordings]

The first time I took note of Bavarian trio Afrilounge was “Tribute,” their restrained homage to Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).” Anyone with the good sense to take on my favorite H&O tune deserved another look, and I’ve been following them ever since. “Lux Dementia,” their second for Connassieur and backed by b-side “Gêne,” may well be their standout track. Steve Bug is such a fan that he prominently placed the tune in his recent Fabric mix. Jeremy from Resident Advisor was so feverishly impressed he insisted I listen to it the moment it came out. Now I’m certainly glad he did.

“Lux Dementia” charges over listeners with grand conviction and poise, leaving them flat — yet still wiggling. Perhaps influenced by the aesthetic built by the Innervisions crew, Afrilounge fill the air around a trembling motif with crackling modulations and uplifting tones that swell, threatening to swallow the whole dance floor whole. But it’s the sustained piano chords raining down like melodic hammers that really kick things into gear and gathers trainspotters at the DJ’s side. I’m already thinking of pairing it up with Tuesday’s spotlighted track, “Traffic Circle,” for a solid section of deep techno that’s not soon forgotten.