If Prince ever made a house album, it would live on the same shelf as Toronto’s Azari & III. The four-piece are as futuristic sounding as any of their Modular Recordings indie electro cohorts, but manage to ooze four-on-the-floor ‘80s house sentiments at precisely the same time. They will be back here to play Future Music Festival and sideshows with The Rapture (presented by yours truly!), armed with a record that NME is hailing as the best house album of the year, and one of the most enviable remix catalogues known to any DJ.

“Deciduous, mildly addictive, with sultry, slutty lyrical content… very pleasant and also painful when coming down. ” That’s how Azari’s Alixander III describes the music of Azari & III (pronounced: ‘Azari and Third’).  First gaining notoriety DJing at underground house parties, the duo-turned-band are just wrapping up a three-week European tour when we pin them down for a chat. They’re over there promoting their first full length, self-titled album, which was released locally in August after years of releasing stand-alone tracks and remixes.

“Recording an album definitely gives you a sense of gratification,” says Alixander.  “Your whole life becomes a record… not that there’s anything wrong with that…” He is interrupted by Azari vocalist Fritz Helder; “Actually, there’s a lot wrong with it!”

The long-awaited record is a pastiche of moody, at times hedonistic electronica, Fitz’ almost demonic vocals, and throwbacks to the Chicago house era of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The band debuted their live show in Australia at this year’s VIVID Live, treated to a performance spot at our country’s premier live venue.  “We thought it was a little bit far-fetched when they told us we’d be playing the Sydney Opera House,” tells Alixander. “We figured we would play a little club somewhere! It was really flattering… a very warm welcome to Australia.”

Alongside dancefloor staples such as ‘Hungry For The Power’ and ‘Reckless With Your Love,’ Azari & III will be packing their remixes for the likes of Robyn, Tensnake, and Cut Copy with them, as well as a few fresh ones.

“We always jump on remixes for bands we love and believe in,” says Alixander. “We just did a Little Boots one, and we’re very keen to do some Beni ones soon too.”

Live, these will be delivered with their signature, chaotic and improvised style of performance set, the same one that has earned them a hardcore following around the world.“We’ve got our foundations, but we like to play about with the crowd’s feelings… it keeps it fresh for us too. You want to get on stage and have something to look forward to. At the same time, there will be plenty of sing-along moments as well.”

 Catch Azari & III and The Rapture touring 6th March at The Forum Melbourne and 8th March at The Metro Sydney, presented by Groupie Magazine. Tickets on sale here. Also appearing at Future Music Festival, happening nationally from 3-12 March, 2012.