RJD2: Deadringer

By REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating: * * * *)

It's not quite in the same league as DJ Shadow's revolutionary debut, Entroducing, but British turntablist RJD2's Deadringer shares its eerie, rhythmically adventurous aesthetic, combining vinyl scratches, vintage samples and percussion heavy on the hi-hats and breakbeat.

RJD2 has made his name in the underground hip-hop scene as a fine indie producer but this is the first time he has released something independently. There are many gems — the jazz-hop Final Frontier with its glockenspiels and willowy vocals, Ghostwriter, a fantastic fusion of brass, hip-hop and acoustic guitar and the spookily psychedelic The Proxy.

Its slow pace and obvious parallels with the gospel-laden big beats of Moby lead it into a rut at times but mostly it's a deft and intriguing homage to the world of vinyl manipulation. A must for Shadow fans.

Label: Definitive Jux