British DJ and mix master Gripper brings out an easy, mellow cultural soundclash of an album, A Life of Consummate Ease, which embraces soulful house music great for an Ibiza warm-up. Gripper admits to being a John Peel disciple, and it's easy to see the late man's legacy influencing Grippers wide-ranging genre appreciation at work in A Life of Consummate Ease.

Track 2, the lush 'Interpreter' eases you in gently with its rolling percussion, layered flute and jazzy piano, whilst track 4, 'The Daddy' (featuring vocals from Niko) provides a funky, downtempo slice of hip hop-rock. The title track, 'A Life of Consummate Ease' laces a chilled piano and flute backdrop with playful toy synths.

All in all, A Life of Consummate Ease is a lesson in alternative world music artfully pieced together with house influences. The album reflects Gripper's competence in this domain, but it's definitely more of a warm-up anthem than a gripping epic. (Holly Wicks)

Links
www.aticrecords.co.uk
www.myspace.com/aticrecords
www.myspace.com/jungcollective
www.nannytango.com