Berlin is not a place where things happenaccording to the normal rules. And Berlin’s Torpedo Boyz — winners of the 2009Independent Music Award for best dance/electronica album for Cum On Feel the Boyz — are proof ofthat.

It all began in 2004 with the rowdy,rambunctious “Gimme a Bassline!” Initially released as a one-off 12-inch, thetrack immediately struck a chord. New York’s Ursula 1000 included it on his Ursadelica compilation, Puma snapped upthe tune for a major TV campaign. Suddenly everyone wanted a piece of theTorpedo Boyz: and Fort Knox Five volunteered to remix the next single. Then asthe ideas continued to flow, artists from Smoove, Skeewiff, and the PinkerTones to Cubismo Grafico and Groove Allegiance lined up to re-rub a series ofhit 12-inches, including “Are You Talking To Me???” and “Japaneeze Boyz,”.

Their infectious energy and zany outfits helpedtake the phenomenon to the next level. In rejecting the rules ofelectronic-production-duo-by-the-numbers, the Boyz won over audiences everywherethey played, from Los Angeles to Canada’s Whistler to Moscow and in legendaryBerlin venues like Tresor. Word of their incredible live show spread, and in2009 the band was invited to tour China and Spain.

Now we have Torpedo Boyz’ third album, Return of the Ausländers. The title is arye comment on the Boyz’ all-encompassing philosophy, with their lyrics inJapanese, English and German, and their musical miscegeny blurring bordersbetween genres. It includes thesingles “Back To The Beatz” and “Welcome To The Sugar Show” (soon available ina Lack Of Afro remix). The new record is bringing in new sounds - likeReturner’s Krautrock influenced “Maschinenwelt”. Davey Woodward from theExperimental Pop Band turns up on “That Is So Beautiful”, in “Fat Man’s Walk”Returner celebrates a liberating rejoinder to Randy Newman’s “Short People.”

“Return Of The Ausländers” is an upbeat,breaktastic record ready to get the party started on your block—whether yourblock is in Brooklyn, Bristol, or Beijing.