Byetone: Death of a Typographer (Raster Noton) - CD

Berlin's Raster Noton totally epitomise the image of the graphic-design obsessed, clinically cool record label. Usually the type to peddle futurist, art-gallery friendly techno. But recently they've released albums that have opened up incredibly accessible pathways to their distinctive brand of computer-based music. He might be one of the less familiar artists on the roster, but that's because Byetone (Olaf Bender to his mum) works full time running the label. With their recent intensive tours of Asia and South America, no wonder he doesn't have time to play. In fact he's so busy, this entire album was knocked up in a week!

But don't for a minute think that this is lazy keyboard-prodded electronica. Quite the opposite, he's clearly got the skillz. He makes his point early on with the brilliant opener 'Plastic Star (Session)'. Metronomic rhythms pierce through layers of Pan Sonic-esque electrical storms and serious sub-bass. The rump'n shuffle nature of 'Grand Style' also pleases me. The whole thing flits by in an efficient manner and it's not long before I do the whole thing again. Despite the slightly pretentious title and cryptic presentation lies an album of blissful, danceable techno pop.

The Sea and Cake: Glass (Thrill Jockey) - CD originally released 2003

Impressively operating since 1994, Sea and Cake is notable for the fact founding member John McEntire is also part of post-rock supremo's Tortoise. But this Maxi-Single is quite enjoyable in a summery jaunty sort of way. Weirdly enough reminded me of very early Boo-Radley's material. Dunno if that's a good thing or not. Warp's Broadcast supply an interesting mix but nothing compared to Carl Craig's effortless turn.

John Mustang feat. Slotalkinjo: Intoyapants (Phictiv) - 12" originally released July 2006

Pretty fun 3-tracker from this intermittent Swiss label (5 releases in 5 years). Emphasis is on rhythmic propulsion and vocal hooks rather than melodic trickery and up-to-date effects. None of the tracks really jump out at you but then neither do they act as filler. Could be criticised as mere DJ fodder but there's a spring-like vibe about everything on offer here, which proves most welcome company during the current icy grip.

The Rammellzee: Bi-Conicals of the RammEllZee (Gomma) - CD originally released 2004

Apparently it took 22 years for this debut album to materialise from this quixotic and obscure hip-hop pioneer when it was originally released in 2004. Having had previous works produced by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat shows you how long ago he's been around. The emphasis is on humourous cartoonish wordplay and well-positioned samples so that leaves the instrumental elements sounding rather pedestrian. There are a couple of welcome electro numbers and on the whole its lively, energetic and damn good fun whilst its on. Just don't expect me to retain it on the hard drive.

Skream: Skreamizm Vol.4 (Tempa) - 2 x 12"

As he continues to release more of these agreeable double 12" packs, he moves further away from that pish self-titled album of his from 2006. As is the pattern with this series, its the tracks that veer off the expected path that are the most interesting. Tracks like 'Oskillatah' and (the aptly named) 'Wobble that Gut' show off his skill with bassline manipulation. Melody and percussion set on the usual auto presets (criticism I could level at 99% of dubstep). But I preferred the bleep shuffle of '2D' and the slow burn hip-hop of 'Nemesis'.