Non-StopMute **

Andy Bell's talent for writing tremendous pop songs can't really be called into question; 20 million albums sold with his Erasure colleague Vince Clarke speaks volumes. Yet, his smoothly produced second solo album sounds more like a compilation of cold synthpop tracks rather than a project born through passion. Sure, there are highlights: Subject Object's minimalist beat is boosted by a melodic twinkle and murky synth line, while Touch's stringy guitar riff is teamed with buzzy static and a big chorus that quietly dazzles. Yet even a guest turn by Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell's on the camp MGMT- style closer ( Honey If You Love Him) can't fully redeem the record, while the less said about DHDQ ( Debbie Harry Drag Queen), the better. Seeandybell. com

Download tracks: Subject Object, Touch