Latin Young Turks/XL ****

While the two previous albums from Toronto's instrumental hotheads HF have had many moments of incandescent euphoria and joy, there were also some puzzling lapses and lags to their energetic electropunk wigouts. If Latinhas one clear theme, then, it's that the band have added some cohesion and restraint to the proceedings, because this is an album where excitement and dark intent are maintained from start to finish. HF's stock in trade continues to be producing tracks where prickly soundscapes and boho-funk beats are joined at the hip, as in Latin Americaand Red Lights, while album standout Stay Litis devilishly engaging as it balances both sides of their collective personality with considerable oomph. Probably the most praiseworthy aspect of all, though, is the number of bright ideas HF display with casual ease. Much more to come. See Myspace.com/holy fuck

Download tracks: Stay Lit, Latin America, Red Lights