I don’t know what I was expecting when I pressed play on this CD for the first time, and I guess that’s the main reason why I love Chilly Gonzales. If he’s not collaborating with a classical Marina & The Diamonds, he’s challenging Andrew WK to a twelve-hour piano battle. Everything he does sounds incredibly daring and utterly questionable when it’s described, but as it plays out, the results are always bloody brilliant.

Ivory Tower is his new album, but it’s also a soundtrack to a film of the same name where the storyline revolves around two champion chess-playing brothers, played by Gonzales and Tiga, who both fall in love with Peaches. Surely that’s an instant must see from the description alone?

If you need anymore convincing though, I suggest a quick play of Ivory Tower. With lyrics like, “I’m socialist lingerie, I’m diplomatic techno. I’m gay pastry and racist cappuccino.” HOW CAN YOU RESIST?

This is a fun pop album vying on the Italo-disco side of Moroder influenced electro, but it’s definitely soundtrack in parts. There are moments when tracks start to drag a little, but nothing ever really gets boring. For every extended introduction there’s a swerve of percussion or additional hook to keep attention.

If you’re a fan of Presidential Suite you might be a little disappointed, aside from the aforementioned moment of quotable amazingness the lyrics here aren’t Take Me To Broadway high. During The Grudge lines like “I’m so cunning. If I put it in your mouth you won’t see it… coming” made me cringe a bit. Although saying that, I really enjoyed it when I saw him live.

I guess the key here is expectations. Since no one ever really knows what will come next from the genius that is Gonzales, so it’s best to approach this record fresh and without context. And in that mind, it’s a really enjoyable listen.