In 2009, Simian Mobile Disco collaborated with The Gossip’s Beth Ditto on “Cruel Intentions,” which appeared on the UK production team’s album, Temporary Pleasure. The track was remixed and released in early 2010 as the set’s second single.

Ditto must have really dug the experience, because she’s recruited Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford and Jas Shaw to help shape her debut solo effort, a 4-track EP of “serious dance jamz.” As on “Cruel Intentions,” Ditto’s detour from fierce indie-rock shouter to just-as-fierce club queen melds masterfully with SMD’s mid-’80s production style. Lest you worry, Gossip fans, the frontwoman’s still proudly large and in charge on this EP. Amped up or sparse, SMD’s synths allow ample room for her to move. It’s her name alone on the release, after all, and Ditto rightfully remains the star of the show. She’s just substituted one sweaty venue for another, possibly even sweatier one.

Besides the sublime “I Wrote This Book,” in which Ditto decorates a wing of house music with divine results, I can’t get enough of the freestyle-referencing “Open Heart Surgery.” Ditto lays herself bare in measured tones, addressing a careless lover who treats her bad, but whose affections she can’t seem to shake:

If you typically dismiss club music, I dare you not to like what Ditto has done here. Having firmly secured her place in indie rock, her star shines even brighter under the disco lights.

Purchase Beth Ditto’s EP exclusively via Beatport. The release is scheduled to hit other digital music purveyors on March 8.