The Emperor Machine: Vertical Tones and Horizontal Noise Parts 1 and 2 (DC Recordings) - 12"
White Light Circus: Marching Orders (DC Recordings) - 12"

A thoughtful, albeit derivative presentation from The Emperor Machine generates a thoughtful, albeit derivative review. Clear production, whizzy FX and some neat ideas gloss over the rather pedestrian composition. The kind of music I see big surly men buying over the counter at Soul Jazz. Artwork is pretty fly though.

White Light Circus' effort settles on a groove and allows sequential ideas to ebb and flow at a natural pace, although I did prefer it at 45. Still totally forgettable though.

Bong Ra: Peel Session (Death$ucker) - 12"

After that well-dressed but tediously noodly Shoreditch music, Bong Ra turns up to increase heart beats and induce murmurs. John Peel was a big fan and it's easy to see why from this debut Radio 1 session. Head-first lunges into the amen headspace, rat-a-tat rhythms and a million and one ragga cliches being fired off in all directions. Surrender and succumb.

Endorphins: Discipline (Eat This Records) - 12"

Scattershot but excellent pot-pourri of disjointed electronica and sneering techno. From the Skam subversion of 'Mammon' to the discordant Aphexism of 'Bassgirl, but the bestest bit is the cold ether drive of 'Yoni'. Eight tracks loaded with sneaky rhythm changes and accessible melodies. Endorphins might be treading over familiar ground here, but rarely has it been done with such vigour.

Man Parrish: Hip Hop Re Bop (Breakin') - 12"

I know that Man Parrish is regarded as an electro pioneer, but it's his collaboration with Eurogay chart toppers Man 2 Man that sticks in my mind. Specifically their UK number 2 hit 'Male Stripper' and a pretty unforgettable Top of the Pops appearance. It'll stay with me to the grave that one.