The Other Day [Audio CD] Bug, Steve

Berlin-based minimal house pioneer Steve Bug likes things clean. Self-produced The Other Dayis the proof--a gleaming collection of pristine grooves that, with a little care and attention, have all scrubbed up rather well. Bug's been around since the dawn of acid-house and knows a thing or two about the textures of clubland. Forget flavour-of-the-moment trends though, this is the sound of "classic with a twist". "White Times" is flawless electro-house reminiscent of 80s British synth-pop. Like an old Yazoo b-side, it's a testament to the power of clean, digital lines and crisp, old-fashioned riffs. "Electric Blue" is similarly inclined--a giddy hi-energy bass line and clanking cowbells that pay homage to the likes of Bobby 'O'. However, it's not all this retro. "So I" is supremely funky house worthy of any primetime dancefloor, while "Cocaine" is a suitably strung-out tech-funk jam. Bugged out indeed. --Paul Tierney