Dance music, like dancing itself, is a tricky thing. To be
considered great, it isn’t enough if a song is simply something you
could conceivably dance to. Instead, it must actually make you want
to dance, and for most of us, risk the possibility of making a fool
of yourself on the dance floor.

Perhaps the trickiest form of dance music is rock’n’roll
masquerading as dance music, the hyphenated marriage known as
dance-rock. To ensure marital bliss, both genres must keep their
respective traditions alive in the union.

The latest albums from VHS or BETA and Radio 4 are successful in
creating this union. Both “Night on Fire” and “Stealing of a
Nation” would be comfortably at home either spun by a DJ at a dance
club or performed live in a trendy bar.

One unstated yet prevalent principle in dance music is that
lyrics are secondary. After all, no one dances to a clever lyric-
they dance to a clever beat. As a band, VHS or BETA have always
recognized this truth. “Le Funk,” their last effort, omits the
vocals altogether.

Even though Craig Pfunder finally steps up to the mike on “Night
on Fire,” it’s clear what this record is really about. Pfunder’s
dead-on Robert Smith impersonation proves to be just another
instrument in the band’s funk-heavy dance grooves.

Most of the lyrics are easily disposable but still vaguely
relatable, which is OK. This is perfectly acceptable and
practically expected on the dance floor.

The poppy “Forever” features one line, “Forever, all night
long,” in a loop that fades in and out as the song pulsates. Even
“No Cabaret,” a song protesting New York’s cabaret laws, employs
simple lyrics to deliver its message.

Many fine rock bands have understood that music can be a
powerful political commentary if both lyrics and context are
utilized properly.

Radio 4 acknowledges this power and chooses to embrace it. At
the basic level, “Stealing of a Nation” is a musical commentary in
the midst of a politically important time. In this sense, the
album’s release in this country and in this year is just as vital
to its overall cause, as the lyrics themselves.

The most effective track in getting the message across is
“Nation.” With many of the other tracks, the call to action gets
lost behind the call to dance, but on “Nation,” the music is less
distracting and emphasis rests on the vocals.

The haunting chorus states, “I have grave expectations/ For this
strange situation/ I signed my letter of resignation/ For the
stealing of a nation.” The song struggles with the indignation,
helplessness and frustration most socially-conscious young people
feel in this election year.

Before they come off as too preachy Radio 4 lightens it up a
bit, proving their passions are none too specific.

“Transmission” is an ode to those musical geniuses creating
brilliant tracks on digital equipment in their bedrooms or
basements. “Party Crashers” is an inside look at the New York
scene, and the people who bring it down.

New wave and post-punk are the real stars of “Night on Fire” and
“Stealing of a Nation.” VHS or BETA drags both 80’s underground
sounds back through 70’s disco and funk. Radio 4 instead opts for a
forward focus, bringing them up to speed with 90’s techno.

Arguably the best aspect of both albums is how easy it is to
totally disregard the lyrics and enjoy the solid dance tracks that
surround them.

It’s hard to imagine a generation that will effect change based
on the music they hear at a late-night rave, but who knows. If
anything is certain in this complicated time, it’s the possibility
that anything could happen.

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