If you're looking for the cool knob-twiddling of armchair techno mixed with the sensual, mournful atmosphere of Portishead, let me tell you about Sneakster. British electronic scenester Mark Clifford and newly-discovered singer Sophie Hinkley clearly know what it takes to create compelling music. Take the masterful "Fireheart" as an example. I can't say enough good about this track, which to me represents all that is beautiful in pop music. It begins with a static synth arpeggio ("Is this some poor-man's Philip Glass?", you might ask) which gradually becomes more riveting as it is combined with Hinkley's gently piercing, repetetive vocals. About a third of the way through the song, pulsing bass notes in the synth part add depth, encouraging you to immerse yourself completely in Sneakster's dark, moody world. Pseudo-Nouveau is essentially trip hop, albeit a bit restrained, though it has a deep bass element as well that allies it at least tangentially with dub and jungle. But it isn't the music by itself that makes this album so alluring -- it's the artful combination of electronics and siren song that will keep me coming back.