Like Hot Chip’s “The Warning,” Fujiya and Miyagi’s latest single, “Sixteen Shades of Black and Blue,” juxtaposes male bravado with minimal techno to an interesting effect. It’s as if Hot Chip sang, “Hot Chip will break your neck and pay for your medical bills,” then Fujiya and Miyagi one-upped them with, “I’ll beat you sixteen shades of black and blue and pay for your medical expenses and give you money to pay for your car and rent while you’re unable to work.” Really, the only thing less threatening than Hot Chip or Fujiya and Miyagi challenging you to a bare knuckle brawl would be if someone issued a challenge to throw down then broke into a number from West Side Story. Yet, even with its lack of punch, or maybe because of it, it’s a compelling number.  Maybe, the English electronic outfit know something you, the listener, don’t know. Maybe, they do have the muscles to back up their claims.  Well, probably not, but it is enough to make one pause.

MP3: Fujiya and Miyagi – Sixteen Shades of Black and Blue

Fujiya and Miyagi’s fourth full-length album, Ventriloquizzing, will be out Jan 25th on Yep Roc Records.