Kowton – Utility

Utility may be a debut, but it certainly shows no signs of inexperience. This assured first release from Bristolian native Kowton (who first popped up with a couple of singles as Narcossist, back in 2008-09) sees the artist and founding member of the Livity Sound label stump up a solid, nine-track-strong collection of grimy techno and club quality beats.

Plenty of highlights for fans of minimalism can be found here – choose, for instance, from the frosty, shimmering synth and compelling tempo of Scido, or the deliciously dark, skittish Sleep Chamber. There's a slight hiccup with Balance, which has a throwaway feel, and Some Cats is an unremarkable album midpoint, but Kowton's maturity rears its reliable head again amongst Loops 1's spare arrangement, and Shots Fired is a trancey album closer. On the strength of this generally durable debut, you'd best cross your fingers for an appearance at your local sweaty dancehall sometime soon. [Claire Francis]