Acre

It would be easy to pass Acre's debut record off as another dark, twisted and away-from-the-club interpretation of UK dance music, but while on the surface it's a challenging listen, it's about more than just concepts.

From the scorched-earth sounds of chugging opener 'Love' to the spiky, grime dread of 'Dek U', it's clear Acre's influences are far-reaching, but each track's designed to make you feel something different. The pitched-up vocals and wobbly, slapstick FX on 'Holding Hands' for example, offer genuine, heartfelt respite either side of the fractured noise of 'Don't Talk', and the chill, whistling emptiness of 'Ophella'.

While it might not be easy to get to grips with on first listen, 'Beyond Strangers' builds on the introverted early sound that first made Acre's name. It's dark, even violent in places, but spend time with it and you'll be rewarded.