Buoyed (or perhaps bored) by the constant references to the Franz Ferdinand sound, no one would be surprised that ex-Josef K member Paul Haig would capitalise on a chance for success in modern-day terms. Those in the know, though, would already be aware that he has always been active in music whether it's working with artists on his Rhythm Of Life record label or on his own solo career. 'Elektronik Audience' is not an attempt to recreate those angular, complicated guitar melodies that were Josef K's stock-in trade, it is actually closer to a revival in the retro-futurist movement of the early 1980s.

The mood is dark and slightly seedy thanks to some primal electronic beats. Yet it's also quite dancefloor-friendly - like peak-period Section 25 in parts. Haig was never the best vocalist in the world but his precise tones fit the robotic rhythms like a glove. First single 'Reason' would be hailed as a retro classic if it had been recorded by any of the more fashionable artists around today, similarly 'Symptomatik' is built on clever staccato melody. The instrumental sections also keep the pace right up until the penultimate track; the bouncy 'Thieves'. That's not to say the final track is disappointing as 'Life Goes On' is a reflective and effective closing track. So whilst Haig probably won't sell as many records as Franz Ferdinand he shows here that he's still one step ahead of them.