Note on ratings: All opinions are subjective and this review is no different. Tastes may vary. Albums are rated by number of “good” tracks. An album that “sucks!” has no good tracks. An album rated “excellent” is more than just a series of good tracks; it is a listening experience in its entirety.

T-Spigot, “Experiments in the Hypnotic Production of a Crime” (Water Music)
This album is fairly evenly divided between dark IDM, up-tempo electro, and creepy breaks. The track “In the Isolation Tank” lives up to its name, with a desperate claustrophobic feeling; while “Power Age” is much more danceable, with a hard D&B backbone. Other tracks like “Pass the Ammo” would fit well with, say, DJ Shadow’s work. Humorous and skilled use of voice samples throughout.

DAT, “Politics” (Chicks on Speed Recs)
Bad retro 80s electro. It’s 2003, why can’t we get past Soft Cell?

Burnt Freidman and the Nu Dub Players, “Can’t Cool Dubbin’” (EFA/Nonplace)
As you may have guessed from the title, this album has a solid reggae dub sound. The lyrics are conscious and well sung. The beat is slightly off-kilter and may be difficult to mix. While not the finest effort from German native Burnt Freidman, he always produces interesting material.

I-Wolf Presents “Soul Strata” (Klein Records)
This is the first solo effort from former Sofa Surfer I-Wolf. If you are familiar with the Sofa Surfers, then you will recognize these bass-heavy yet downtempo beats. The biggest change is the strange style of west-coast soul that is added to the mix. While I normally don’t like soul, I found these tracks provocative and entertaining.

Hint, “Portakabin Fever” (Hombre/Ninjatune)
Very downtempo beats using guitar and classical samples. Many of the tracks have catchy melodies and use interesting sounds but lack complexity. Can work as background and in the mix, but boring as an album.