Who knew experimental electronic music could be so damn slinky? Andrew Weatherall returns with his second album in two years, and this one burrows into the ears almost immediately.

Andrew Weatherall Qualia (Hoga Nord)

The experimental elements ride a current of mid-tempo beats and friendly bass lines. In that way, this album could certainly be considered subversive. What sounds like a bouncy, almost gentle, instrumental electronic set contains some of the most innovative and intriguing ideas I've heard all year.

More than one wag has referred to this as a quandary, but I don't think the music works without the tension between the experimental and the accessible. And believe me when I say this album can be appreciated for just its commercial elements. It is hardly ordinary, but Weatherall's expression of more popular elements is spectacular.

The tracks are long, and the journey takes a while. And it feels like it finishes in an instant. If you've ever wanted to hear a musical conversation about the merits of Chemical Brothers and Aphex Twin, this is your joint. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Jon Worley