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L.A. born, Tokyo-based producer/muso/songwriter Justice Aaron is the one-man band behind the electro-pop/hip-hop project also known as METAFORM. A prominent face in the world of trip-hop, he's still perhaps best known for his big-selling 2008 debut album 'Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants' (a record constructed entirely from samples).

Simmering opener 'Electric Eyes' burns as lightning flashes strike bedsit dreams, and there's a hint of in-touch-with-the-feminine also present, as the three minute drama skips in step with the lunar cycle.

Rapid-fire beats signal a change of pace without an overall hike-up of the tempo, as 'Revenge Of A Nerd' nods and chimes self-reflexively at the anorak qualities that analogue synth enthusiasts and aficionados seem to share (C'mon all you ambient house devotees, get your hands up!).

There's a readily apparent celebration of the marginal in the album's subject matter (as demonstrated by tracks entitled 'OCD' and 'Secretly Alone', the latter being the most shimmering ode to solitary obscurity on the ear at least). The collection is also recognisable as such due to its shared tones of heartbreak and super-urgency.

The vocal FX might be off-putting (this type of noise never fails to put me in mind of that nasty Cher single), but there is power behind these quickfire bursts of semi-abstract electro-anguish. Largely incidental in structure, with smatterings of drum and bass percussion adding a racing pulse, the average three-minute track length is only excerpt-size for the genre, so THE ELECTRIC MIST plays like a series of brief encounters, most of which successfully harness quite incredible tension due to tricks of speed and and a resulting form of ambience that seems to misfire or represent dysfunction in some way.

The melodies are deep-set to say the least (the dreamlike, but instantly likeable 'Door Number One' being the only exception). 'Electric Mist' is a boys' record that will appeal to beat professors and techno enthusiasts in the main, but the appeal definitely grows with each listen as this odd series of snapshots and momentary glances begins to get to work on the soul.

As a proper anorak boy myself (though not quite up to trainspotter standard), I therefore think it's pretty brill, so there you go. It definitely gets my vote, so I'm giving it the (pretty) big thumbs-up, almost without hesitation.
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Written by Mike Roberts at whisperinandhollerin.com

I’m counting the moons, while I’m thinking of you
while I’m jamming this tune, and I’m keepin it true.
I savor the mood, til seven the morn
Got diamonds for souls, I’m a regular dude.
Some keepin quiet, while I’m starting a riot
Just give me a reason, and it’s gotta be live.
I’m sitting alone in a one bedroom home,
like a rocket ship that’s about to explode.

I saw the flash of light, inside my mind,
I like it so divine, electric eyes.

Got something to say on a rainy day
My 9-5 can’t take my soul.
I’m too awake I’m too alive
Not satisfied with a world of lies.
Lay down in a grave go back to sleep
Or so they’d wish for you to go away
Your one true face could shine so bright
I see in you electric eyes

I saw the flash of light, inside my mind,
I like it so divine, electric eyes.

If you live in the world of men, you may become a man. If you live in your own world, you will become yourself.

After a long and hard deliberation, a decision has been reached.  Congratulations to Filip Poloska for submitting the winning album cover.  The cover will be used in a wide variety of promotions and be seen by thousands around the world.  Thank you to everybody who shared their talents with us in creating so many wonderful covers.

Homegirl is always cooking up controversy, and leaving me with mixed feelings.  This video has amassed 1.7 million views in its first week.  I'll keep my opinions to myself but a couple questions it raises for me are a) is racism an effective way to fight racism? and b) does awareness lead to resolutions?  Exposé or gimmick, what do you think?

Hey everybody, i'm putting together an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) video for the new album. If you want to be in it, send me a) a picture of yourself holding a sign which says "I LOVE METAFORM", or b) a quick video of yourself saying something about Metaform. Email video or picture link to info@metaformonline.com. The EPK will be sent out to thousands of radio and press people, so represent like you always do!!  Deadline is May 9.