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Estella HungReviews
fun.: Aim and IgniteAim and Ignite lands somewhere between Queen, the Mars Volta, and the soundtrack from Hairspray, and so is pretty original to say the least. Unfortunately, it drowns under its own weight. [18 November 2009] The Darlings: Yeah I KnowThe Darlings suffer from the double whammy of appearing like a band past its prime, while making music past its prime. [1 November 2009] 
Massive Attack: Splitting the Atom EPFar from being the band that every other band wants to sound like, this compilation-style EP suggests that Massive Attack are indiscriminately mining for something to make their own. [9 October 2009] 
Horse Meat Disco: Horse Meat DiscoNo one throws a party like its 1976 like Horse Meat Disco. For proof, just ask the guy who swore that after one party he was abducted by a giant glass unicorn and taken to a basement where the ghost of Ron Hardy was playing. [28 September 2009] 
Nathan Haines: Right NowJazz multi-instrumentalist Nathan Haines may be New Zealand’s equivalent of Giles Peterson, but his sixth album is underwhelming. [23 September 2009] 
My Sad Captains: Here & ElsewhereHere & Elsewhere might not steer twee-ness out of the woodlands, but when you have something that could soundtrack a wistful Super 8 home movie, only the most jaded will resist it. [20 September 2009] 
Fink: Sort of RevolutionSort of Revolution is even more pared back and softly spoken Jeff Buckley-style than Fink's previous folk outings and therefore serves as an audacious riposte to the current vogue in pop excess. [18 September 2009] 
GusGus: 24/7Warts and all, 24/7 marks GusGus at a level of maturity that allows them to shun the sonic pyrotechnics that have charmed dance outfits across Europe, while communicating more. [17 September 2009] 
Muse: The ResistanceThe Resistance lacks the kickass histrionics and monumental spectacle of previous efforts that kept imitators away with a 10-foot obelisk. [14 September 2009] 
DJ Food: One Man’s Weird Is Another Man’s WorldAfter a nine-year hiatus, DJ Food returns with a teaser EP of an upcoming concept album revolving around his undying fascination with retro-futuristic absurdism. [8 September 2009] 
Datarock: RedDatarock fail to pass the second album test with another collection of Teflon '80s post-punk tunes. [2 September 2009] 
Little Dragon: Machine DreamsMachine Dreams is an exercise in scoping out the frontiers of avant-garde electronic pop not seen since the early '80s. [31 August 2009] 
DJ Vadim: U Can’t Lurn ImaginashunThe Russian producer's outing into the mainstream provides a breezy, top-down cruise through reggae, ska, soul and good ol' hands-in-the-air dancefloor filler, but risks being MOR. [24 August 2009] 
Simian Mobile Disco: Temporary PleasureWhile Temporary Pleasure is not quite the mirage that is virtual reality, it is certainly fleeting and a perfect addition for those looking to update their summer soundtrack playlist for 2009 (or 2007). [17 August 2009] 
Quantic and His Combo Barbaro: Tradition in TransitionThis is a crate digger’s virtuoso attempt at giving a new lease of life to sounds he’s excavated without resorting to the typical producer’s trick of splicing pre-recorded material and keeping the beat with a drum machine. [14 August 2009] 
Scratch Perverts: BeatdownScratch Perverts return to the decks with a polished but unremarkable mix perfect for an amphetamine-fuelled club night. [10 August 2009] 
The Herbaliser Band: Session 2The Herbaliser bids adieu to its feted cinematic groove with a polished retrospective. [5 August 2009] 
Howling Bells: Radio WarsThe Aussie band has trumped expectations with a brilliant second coming. [30 July 2009] 
Various Artists: Unfold Presents: Tru Thoughts Hip-HopUK label Tru Thoughts celebrates its tenth birthday by gifting listeners with an enlightening retrospective of some of Britain’s best but unsung hip hop. [27 July 2009] 
Coffee Garner: Subprime BoogieThe latest album is a proverbial gem that’s worth the dedicated excavation it takes to unearth it from the DJ’s oceanic catalogue. [19 July 2009] 
Flevans: 27 DevilsBrighton DJ Flevans kiboshes cut-and-paste sampling for real instruments. [17 July 2009] 
The Mystery Girls: IncontinopiaIf a question mark hangs over the Mystery Girls it’s because this Wisconsin quintet of wiry white (non-effeminate) boys has yet to come out of the garage. [8 July 2009] 
Spyro: BiodegradableIt may sound esoteric on paper, but Spyro's Biodegradable is ineffably digestable for both soma and soul. [6 July 2009] 
Minus 8: Slow MotionEqual parts ambient wallpaper and club shindig plucked straight from Café del Mar and Hed Kandi compilations. [24 June 2009] 
J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science: Soul VibrationsThis is no frivolous club soundtrack that one dances to but never savours. [10 June 2009] |
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