Latest CD releases reviewed

JORI HULKKONEN
 Dualizm F Communications ***

There are the makings of two distinctly different albums competing for your attention on the latest release from the flying Finn. The first couple of tracks linger long in the ear thanks to their lovely, slow-motion grace and elegance. With their gentle Talk Talk-style pianos, whispered vocals and shimmering melodies, Science and SkykkaritLaukeeTaas are post-chill beauties you would happily curl up beside. Then it's time for Hulkkonen's more electronic mannerisms to come to life, and a slew of lush, sly, occasionally emotional, often epic electro shuffles begin to strut and prowl. While none of these scale the same skyscrapers as tracks from previous albums Different and When No One Is Watching We Are Invisible, there is enough depth and width here, especially on Dislocated, with vocals from onetime Ultravox crooner John Foxx, to satisfy the most demanding of listeners. www.jorihulkkonen.com  Jim Carroll

VARIOUS
Éire Electronic Middleware ***

Every few months without fail, another compilation showcasing new shades of Irish electronica rolls into town, says "how's it going, lads?" and sets out its stall on a street corner. With all proceeds from this one going to various tsunami relief aid charities, Éire Electronic comes with both good intentions and more than a dozen local acts keen to hawk their wares. Many have been in the limelight before: full-length albums from The Last Sound, Matthew Devereux and, most recently, Chymera have already been well received, while Scott Logan and Eamonn Doyle have recorded together as Active Service Unit. Of the rest, there's much to like, from the bubbling squawks of Ping Pong and the rounded, pristine textures of GMcD's Up All Night to the peppery groove which seasons Sunil Sharpe's Keylight. A fine roll call of potential capital city intentions. Jim Carroll