Joker

The Vision 4AD***

Dubstep's many machinations have taken both the sound and its practitioners down some fascinating avenues. In the case of Bristol producer Liam McLean, his purple sound has benefited from bracing experimental manoeuvres, though The Visionsuggests that McLean's filters may be in need of recalibration. While there is considerable width and depth to such solid dancefloor tracks as Tronand My Trance Girl, both of which provide plenty of bang for your bass buck, the problems occur when McLean tries his hand at introducing r'n'b, boogie and funk to the mix. As a result, racks such as the awkward Here Come the Lightsare a bit of a puzzle, with a sense of disengagement hinting that the producer himself isn't quite sure what he's doing or why. It's a pity, because McLean's form has indicated a producer well capable of amplifying notions into nuggets. Next time, perhaps? See myspace.com/ thejokerproductions

Download tracks: Tron, My Trance Girl