The musical alliance of techno-guru Luke Slater and ex-Aloof vocalist Ricky Barrow seems a little mismatched at first. Barrow is used to crooning laments over menacing, slow-burning trip-hop whilst Slater's style is more suited to the club arena. As if to highlight the difference even further Barrow sports a buttoned up suit whereas Slater relaxes in bright orange extreme sports gear. Not that it matters of course because the partnership is inspirational at times. The lyrics certainly compare to the work of Barrow's former group as ruminations over failed relationships follow one another but they work surprisingly well over Slater's energetic backdrops. The Aloof's work was generally very well received but lacked the immediacy which Slater has laid on for us here. 'Nothing At All' and 'Stars And Heroes' would do well on the dance scene and good though they are it's the more tension-filled work like 'Searchin' For A Dream' and 'Only You' which prove to be ultimately more satisfying. More disapponiting are the three tracks which conclude an otherwise excellent album as the oppressive thudding beats begin to take over the previously omnipresent sense of melody. However, with Slater proiding the fun and Barrow the seriousness the whole project works surprisingly well.