Flocking Behaviour CD

Given that he put out his first 12" back in 2009, Smallville co-founder Julius Steinhoff's debut album has been a long time coming. You can forgive him for biding his time - particularly given his workload - especially when the results are this effortlessly stylish. The Hamburg based producer seemingly isn't that interested in pandering to the dancefloor - though the rubbery, ethereal "Hey You" is underpinned by particularly bumpin' drums - and instead delivers a set of bubbling deep house tracks oozing with melody, warmth and atmosphere. For the most part, it's a seductive set, with only the clattering Chicago percussion and Mr Fingers-ish melodic bliss of "Cheetah Nights" flipping the script.