Production

Since the arrival of Daft Punk several years back, there has been much industry interest in all things French and funky, and the debut album from Mirwais Ahmadzai is no exception, though not just because he's tipped to follow in the footsteps of the Punks, Air and Cassius.

The Gallic groove merchant has been working with Madonna on her forthcoming album, and the first fruits of their relationship have turned up here, on 'Paradise (Not For Me)', a moody and introspective number that fuses intricate rhythms and filtered synths with Maddie's softly spoken vocal. Hardly the album's highlight, but a hint of things to come perhaps?

The highlights on Production are the irresistible single 'Disco Science' and 'I Can't Wait', both shining examples of how the so obviously French production treatments can work in a pop context. On another standout track, 'Naive Song', Mirwais adds vocodered vocals to an infectious blend of acoustic guitars and subtle rhythms to great effect. Elsewhere, things get a lot more experimental. 'V.I. (The Last Words She Said Before Leaving)' is a dark adaptation of Serge Gainsbourg's 'Cargo Culte', the haunting 'Junkie's Prayer' warps out a vocal from the movie 'Louange', and 'Involution' marries scratching skills to sinister strings. Mirwais' assured studio skills excel throughout, and the attention to detail is superb.

While unlikely to emulate the successes of the artists mentioned above, Production is sublime and sexy enough to appeal to more than just the club cognoscenti. One way or another, we'll be hearing a lot more of Mirwais before the year is out.