by Jacob McPherson

80s-style synth-pop duo Chromeo released their third album DJ-Kicks back in September.  In efforts to promote this record, the group has been touring and recently rolled through Chicago at the Congress Theater Friday.  The show, which also included Crystal Castles and Boys Noize brought together a diverse mix of people who just wanted to have a good time.

Chromeo consists of childhood friends David Maclovitch and Patrick Gemayel who demonstrate that diversity is musical bliss.  The two met while growing up in Montreal and often joke that they are the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture.  This bold statement speaks volumes about combining differences.

Even gay gossip blogger Perez Hilton has a soft spot for Chromeo.  He is quoted as saying, “If you like Justice or Daft Punk, then these boys will make you cream!”  Okay, calm down Perez, but they are pretty damn good.  The DJ-Kicks CD should be a part of anyone’s dance music collection.  It’s a feel-good CD that doesn’t discriminate.  Chromeo is neither gay nor straight, black nor white; it’s the way music should be.