Distinctive At Juno Download

Review: As hinted by his single "Cracks", Midlands noisesmith Hexadecimal has a whole new armoury of sounds ready for your consumption... And you're not likely to be disappointed. Opening with the stoic 4/4 of the ragga-tinged "Sweat Tears & Blood" we're then plunged into a toxic brew of bass, beats and grooves. Showing a certain sense of maturity, he's deeper than the Hexadecimal we heard on Base 16 almost three years ago with glittersome cuts like "Ain't No Disco" and the creeping mischief of "Emotive". Still hankering for the raffish bass bust-ups he made his name for? Head for "Aftershock" and "Trauma" and, as we've already said, you will not be disappointed!

Review: The word epic is far too overused these days. But when a track boasts strings from the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, it's perfectly acceptable to use it. In fact it would be criminal not to. Emotive, driving and as cinematic as dance music can possible be, "Icarus" will bring any breakbeat set to a tearful climax. Remix-wise Distinctive have put on a generous spread that includes a pumping tech blend from Blanka that's not dissimilar to Depeche Mode, a twinkling, Hooj-style driver from Ohm Fat and a warp-speed Meat Katie style tech funk rub from Chevy One. Get some wings!

Review: A class act ever since their debut album Wide Angle in 1999, breakbeat band Hybrid just keep getting bigger and better. Originally comprising duo Mike Truman and Chis Healings, they've been joined by singer and guitarist Charlotte James for 2010. Their sound has been expanded too, with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra even appearing on this wonderful new album. Opener Empire sets the tone for this audacious set as a huge string-drenched intro gives way to an exhilarating stew of acid-synths and big beats. Can You Hear Me Now is just as epic, combining operatic vocals with a huge chorus from James.

Where Hybrid really stand out from the crowd is in their incredible range of styles and true to form Disappear Here will keep listeners on their toes throughout. Green Shell Suit for example starts off as a dark and moody trip-hop beat before some warped pads get filtered up and usher in a cinematic key change and a host of new instruments. On a more raucous vibe, Take A Fall takes on dubstep beats but with live drums and their trademark cinematic washes of sound. City Siren is a tense, all orchestral number (similar to The Beatles' A Day In The Life) while Formula Of Fear is a rocking, electro-paced stomper with yet another perfect chorus sung by Charlotte James. It's rare to hear an album with such variety in songs, yet done with a distinctive attitude and sound. Hybrid are just a class apart and Disappear Here is deep and textured enough to withstand many many listens.