Simian Mobile Disco : Temporary Pleasure

As proponents of analog synths and drum machines, tech house duo Simian Mobile Disco open their sophomore album with a momentary exploration of sound and texture. Consistent in pace and tone, but varying in overtones until that unmistakable sound comes in - the voice. And not just any voice, but the voice of Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys. Thus unfolds most of the album, laden with - and perhaps a bit distracted by - guest vocals.

Only three tracks on this sophomore album feature the duo alone. "10000 Horses Can't Be Wrong," "Synthesis," and "Ambulance" provide a return to the groups minimal techno styling and are the more convincing tracks on the album. "Bad Blood," which features Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor, incorporates a more tropical rhythm and is one of the guest tracks that does not seem to fall as flat. Repetitive but melodic, this track marks what seems to be the better run of the album.

"Turn Up the Dial" is monotonous in tone but varies nicely in form and vocal rhythms, which keeps the vocal line from becoming too disconnected. "Ambulance," the third and last instrumental track follows just before the closer, "Pinball." In the final track, which features Telepathe, the instrumentation is sparse but catchy and effective a la M.I.A. Too often, though, the album drags beneath the weight of the guest appearances and loses sight of the sonic arrangements below.

Simian Mobile Disco - 10000 Horses Can't Be Wrong

Simian Mobile Disco - Synthesize

Simian Mobile Disco - Ambulance

Mayer Hawthorne: A Strange Arrangement

On his debut, A Strange Arrangement, 29-year-old multi-instrumentalist Mayer Hawthorne channels Smokey Robinson and Isaac Hayes. This makes Hawthorne a candidate for the original Motown label rather than Peanut Butter Wolf's Stone's Throw imprint. But, Hawthorne's incorporation of the odd breakbeat upgrades his brand of soul into the present time - without turning it into neo-soul. Hawthorne's mostly falsetto/occasional baritone finds its stride on "Let Me Know." The Supremes would do well with the up-tempo horn honks and handclaps on "Your Easy Lovin' Aint Pleasin' Nothin'." And "Maybe So, Maybe No" finds Hawthorne crooning sassily, puncturing honeyed tones with Stevie Wonder borrowed "la-la-las"

Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No

Mayer Hawthorne - Just Aint Gonna Work Out

General Elektriks: Good City For Dreamers

Herve Salters, the man behind General Elektriks, is known for his keyboard prowess. This is apparent on General Elektriks' 2005 debut, Cliquety Kliqk, and even more so on Good City For Dreamers, where it sounds like Salters has split himself into a five-piece electro-indie pop outfit. Dreamers plinks along pleasantly, Salters' voice soothing and unobtrusive, paying homage to various influences (Sly Stone, Eurythmics). "Cottons of Inertia" is deliciously comforting with its temperate rhythms, and just when you start drifting off, "You Don't Listen" brings you back with squalling guitars. For the most part, Dreamers is a quirky take on The Beatles' white album.

General Elektriks - Take Back The Instant

General Elektriks - Raid The Radio