Belfast’s funk soul brother has put a band together.

In case you missed it, this is David Holmes’ band. Solo, he already has a reputation for creating eclectic funk, soul and techno-tinged scores to imaginary films. And like his Hollywood soundtracks (Out Of Sight, Ocean’s 11), the slick, sexy songs on this debut as fourpiece David Holmes Presents The Free Association would perfectly accompany an edgy heist flick.

But this album needs no visuals nor Holmes’ name so desperately attached to it. It’s a sonic assault where fat basslines and beefed-up breakbeats bludgeon your brain into submission before euphoric horns, northern soul and daisy-age hip-hop hotwire your consciousness. Each piece is expertly broken down and carefully rebuilt, layer upon glorious layer, until once again you’re pummelled by this precisely constructed aural barrage and possessed by the need to dance. This album achieves on its own merit. In future, the band should be known simply as The Sweet FA. Alexia Loundras 17 October 02

David Holmes Presents The Free Association, released on 13 Amp 21 October 02.