Trouble

Orlando Higginbottom debuts his even more unwieldy nom de plume.

The Oxford DJ and producer knows all about an eye-catching name and his TEED guise has carved a niche in the quirkier corners of the UK dance scene with several singles that reveal an aptitude for electronica and a schooling in continental techno.

An album, though, is a different proposition. Trouble is never terrible but at 14 tracks – and stretching to over an hour – it's a modest talent spread far too thinly, wearing its better influences on its sleeve in neon thread.

The best stuff is the singles, Garden standing out for its strong melodic synths and kinetic groove and Tapes & Money coming up with a pleasingly complex take on David Guetta Eurohouse, but of the new material only Panpipes wafts by nicely, matching breakneck beats with an ambient wash and a vocal that seeps in like another instrument.

That's the best way to hear Higginbottom's voice in fact, because when it's front and centre it's a wan, colourless hindrance bringing down the otherwise perky title track and Household Goods. Your Love on the other hand is rescued when Higginbottom is shoved aside by a euphoric female vocal.

None of this would be too bad if there was some saving innovation, but Higginbottom is a slave to his inspirations, from Hot Chip to Daft Punk. Might as well stick with the originals.

Album review by Matthew Horton