*** Animals on Wheels

DESIGNS AND MISTAKES

(Ninja Tune)

Named for those antique children's toys, Animals on Wheels is the drill 'n' bass pseudonym of British producer Andy Coleman. On his Ninja Tune debut, he follows in the footsteps of living-room junglists such as Squarepusher, u-Ziq, and Plug with an amazing range of tweaked-out sounds. From the stop-start, stuttering typewriter rhythms of "Palid" (which features an excellent Thelonious Monk piano sample) to the lush curves of "Fall Like Dandruff," this is a fresh foray into second-generation avant drum 'n' bass. The best tracks give a hardcore nod to the joys of filthy static, free-jazz sax samples, and ferocious, complex beats: try out "Loath," "Eggshell," or "Scene for Ash." The disc's meticulous electronic craftsmanship is engaging on its own, but Coleman sometimes overdoes it with too much slickness (a common drum 'n' bass scenester knock against the Ninja Tune label). Nevertheless, a new face in left-field jungle territory is more than welcome.

-- Chris Tweney