Dissapointing Dancefloors

The Hypercolour imprint had a superb start to 2011. With the successes of Maya-Jane Coles, Axel Boman and its Glass Table/Losing Suki offshoots, the London-based label has become the focus of well-deserved hype from punters, DJs, dance mags and the 'blogosphere'. What Hypercolour does best is to consistently release forward-thinking and interesting electronic music so it's fitting that the label celebrates its 20th full Hypercolour release and 5th anniversary with a simple 12" EP that displays the labels exciting and irreverent take on house and techno. Equally fitting is the fact that the release comes from one of the founders and driving forces behind the label, Alex Jones. Alongside Cedric Maison (and more recently, Ste Roberts), Alex Jones has pushed Hypercolour to become a truly noteworthy and essential label that doesn't rely on clichés or trends. His A&R, design work for the label, DJing, residency at London's superb HybridLife parties and releases for Playhouse/Tsuba/Kindisch all add up to an enviable CV. 'Disappointing Dancefloors' – a hefty nod to Jones' self-deprecating humour and frustration at formulaic music – is a release that represents Jones and the Hypercolour ethic perfectly. Whether it's the oddball treatment of vocals and synths, over-loud snares or brutal use of EQ, 'Disappointing Dancefloors' rides roughshod over tried and tested formulas without ever losing sight of, ironically, the dancefloor. The haunting funk of the title track, the mid-tempo drawl of 'Morning Game' or the Roland TR fuelled punch of 'Romania Pika' are in Jones own words, like 'weirdos on a train'. 'Compelling but slightly sinister' is a more traditional way of putting it but that's not how Jones does things. The obligatory digital-only track, typically of Hypercolour, is un-missable. A collaborative effort from Jones and Hypercolour mainstay Kris Wadsworth, 'Cowboy Trap' sees the two friends relax into a playful groove and do what comes naturally. Hypercolour's 20th full 1