The latest releases reviewed

SPANK ROCK YoYoYoYoYo Big Dada ****

Straight from the mean streets of Baltimore, Spank Rock provide further proof that hip-hop's most intriguing sounds are now to be found further and further away from the usual power centres. Indeed, you could argue that New York and Los Angeles have become institutionalised compared to what's happening elsewhere in the US - especially when you hear the ear-popping thrillers on YoYoYoYoYo. Over a lowdown symphony of slouching, subsonic beats and stoned, robot-like electro bleeps, Mr Spank (Naeem Hanks) takes up the mic and delivers his wiseguy observations like he's Flavour Flav taking tea with Dizzee Rascal. At times reminiscent of Diplo's sleazy funk attack, especially on a workout like Sweet Talk, but also well capable of finding new booty ground to call their own (Backyard Betty), Spank Rock just get better and better with every listen. www.myspace.com/spankrock

Jim Carroll