Akase - 8/10

Harry 'Midland' Agius is a remarkably consistent producer (and, of course, DJ), whether making Paul Woolford-style bombs, stripped-down bass tunes or string-laden disco-house. So he's sticking his neck out with Akase, a project with vocalist Robbie Redway (and a helping hand from Ewan Pearson) that majors in slow-burning downtempo electronica.

Midland's revealed a love of Radiohead in interviews, and there's a similar melancholy world-weariness about 'Graspers'. You can hear it in the brooding, dark two-step of 'Rust', a fine showcase for Redway's soaring, soulful voice. 'Graspers' would benefit from some variety – the way the title track blossoms into moody, angular house is rare.

Still, the chemistry between Agius and Redway is palpable.