Men, Women & Children Men, Women & ChildrenRepriseTwo-and-a-half out of five stars

It’s all fun and games?until someone gets a record deal. But if you’re a disco-rock outfit such as Men, Women & Children, the party doesn’t have to stop there.

Originally, the band was a joke between Todd Weinstock, guitarist of the hardcore outfit Glassjaw, and his DJ buddy Nick Concellor. It was meant to be a release from the heavy, serious side of hardcore rock.

But since you can’t fight the disco fever, Men, Women & Children evolved into a fully functioning-and booty-shaking-rock-disco group, sounding like an energetic blast from the polyester-leisure-suit past.

The self-titled debut is a non-stop party, full of more funked-out attitude, electro beats, sugary synths and sparkling guitar than Rick James could handle.

What’s most impressive is the album’s success in pulling off cheesy disco pop without coming across as too goofy. To balance its exuberance, the album never over-embellishes and does contain darker undertones, as in a line from the opener “Dance in My Blood”: “I am the blood on the bottom of your shoes / You are the savior baby, convert the sinner.”

Eek! That almost ruined my buzz.

Overall, Men, Women & Children’s debut is an enthusiastic party record, providing a perfect way for hardcore fans to release their suppressed inner disco mania.