Straightforward electro with a live edge.
Before even reaching halfway through their opening track 'Origins', Recoup are making all the right noises. The sparse yet warm pulsing beat is washed over by an increasing fade that gives life to a beautiful underlying keyboard riff. Its an intro that would work fantastically well in the live scene and actually overshadows the quiet vocals when they eventually kick in. With a feel reminiscent to Hot Chip who look set to make an impact on the UK this summer its an auspicious start.
With a sound that merges some of the bounce and tinny beats favoured by Italia House and a lot of the late 80s, early 90s it's a mix of old and new. All the non-believers may be debating what is exactly new about the modern electronica when its still rooted in the old style but there is a different vibrancy to it, and when done properly, has an enjoyable air to it.
For this reviewer the vocals just don't work enough, in a good electronica record, the vocals need to work as another instrument, the lyrics may not always be important but the rhythm, melody and tempo needs to work as another layer and merge in with the music. Some of the later vocal breaks on 'Understand Me' manage to blend in with the chugging step behind it but on occasions, there is a clash that sometimes fails to excite.
For a mini album there is a gradual increase in pace that works really well and peaks are hit in 'Don't Delay' and 'One Sixty (part2)' and give a good balance to the record and the opportunity for the listener to get on their feet and get into it a bit more.
As a mini album of a sometimes-misunderstood genre, it's a welcome wee record. Its possibly too early to say if it will grow into an all time classic that will remain in a listeners cd pile but there are some good moments and a couple of compilations would be well served by a track or two here. Naming a record 'Worthwhile' doesn't scream of over confidence or arrogance but it seems an apt title.