THE Streets. There, I said it, just to get it out of the way. Mike Skinner's debut is the closest available reference point for Jack Allsop's first outing which comes on like a sonic snapshot of our times. Unlike Skinner though, Allsop keeps his vision locked and his words loaded.

He's not averse to social comment, but he's not exactly tripping over himself to kick down the statues - in fact, for most of this he sounds pretty keen to get to the party.

Which is why Overtones is possibly the most vital British beats 'n' breaks delivery since Original Pirate Material. Slyly infectious, Starz In Their Eyes takes apart celebrity culture, Writers Block aims itself at Allsop's reflection; and Disco Friend is a cock-eyed celebration of getting cock-eyed. It's life, Jim, exactly as we know it.