Sunbutler – Sunbutler

Made using just five sounds from an old FM synthesiser, and worked on remotely by Joe Howe (aka Ben Butler & Mousepad / Germlin / Gay Against You) and collaborator Momus (one of Scotland's most celebrated avant-garde songwriters), Sunbutler is a deceptively simple record; their second together. At first listen, Sunbutler feels oddly throwaway, but repeat listens reveal complex themes and lyrical concerns on tracks like Heliopolis and Spinoza. Howe's beats and melodies are both imaginative and fresh, sounding Nintendo without resorting to 8-bit clichés.

Momus sounds curiously like Ian Dury. Part spoken word, part singing, his delivery is restrained and hushed, almost whispered in parts. Howe's gentle, wonky electronic funk is used as a backdrop for a poetic pseudo-travelogue on The Foreigner, while So What? strays close to disco territory. By no means will this appeal to everyone – but moments like the gentle robo-funk of Bodypop, or the strange, ethereal synth-pop of Glitterships, ensure that followers of either artist will find something to cherish. [Bram E Gieben]