Discovery

Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel Homem Christo exploded onto the scene a few years ago with the mesmerising Homework LP. That album shifted over two million units worldwide thanks to its brilliant fusion of disco, house and funk as well as the fact that the band created some of the most memorable music videos seen in years.

Discovery probably suffers by comparison with Daft Punk's debut for two reasons. Firstly, Homework had that all-important element of surprise, and secondly, there is a considerable burden of expectation this time round. However, Discovery is still a fine collection, taking up from where its forebear off with the brilliantly catchy single, 'One More Time', featuring Romanthony.

In a similar vein, I dare anyone to listen to the smile-athon that is 'Digital Love' without feeling like they're in the middle of an episode of the Virtual Brady Bunch: the ultimate in feelgood, happy house.

Then there's the fret-bursting sonic disco maelstrom of 'Aerodynamic': a truly mesmerising piece of work - simulated electric guitar orgasms, swiftly followed by a trancelike, semi-orchestral workout.

Quality control does dip slightly during the mid-section: 'Nightvision' is pointless doodling; 'Superheroes' is house-by-numbers, Ibiza-style; and 'High Life' is all sweat and no substance. Normal service is soon resumed, however, with the impeccable slow funk shimmy of 'Something About Us' and from there on, the only way is up.

Events are capped off nicely with the ironically titled 'Too Long', again starring Romanthony: this soul-gospel-house anthem starts sluggishly but gradually taps into the adrenaline reserves, pumps it up a notch or ten, and morphs into a perfect show-stopper.

Some of their critics maintain that Daft Punk's music sounds like it was created by machines: if so, Discovery was fashioned by technology with a big heart, a broad grin and a penchant for a fun night on the dancefloor.