Balancing Lakes

Overall, the album cartwheels along, gleefully incorporating elements from drum 'n' bass, jungle, 2-step, acid, dub, jazz, funk and glitch. Despite this free-associative style, however, it coheres well as a whole, rather than just a collection of tunes. There can be a certain naivety to the arrangements in places, due to Lynn's unbelievable enthusiasm and desire to cram in as many ideas as possible - but this is totally endearing. Balancing Lakes is a refreshing listen for jaded ears, tired of formulaic, predictable music afraid to break the rules of the genre it belongs to. Combining next-level production skills with a 'what rule book?' approach, Barry Lynn's work represents a significant departure from the slightly stagnating world of dubstep that his alter ego, Boxcutter, belongs to. A brilliant thing, this. Long may it continue. -Mark Edwards