Paris DJ and producer Laurent Garnier is an internationally-renowned master blender of techno and house.

His fourth studio album finds him eschewing his signature peak-hour beats and dancefloor rhythms for ambient sounds, with occasional rock and jazz flourishes. It won't surprise ardent fans because they have been enjoying Garnier's ambient cinematic embellishments for years. This set, however, brings this soundscape front and centre, and Garnier's an accomplished musical statement, particularly Barbiturik Blues, Jeux d'Enfants and the more traditional Controlling The House Pt. 2, is poised to introduce him to a larger audience. These clouds are little and fluffy, and beautiful too.

Updated: 08:49 Thursday, March 10, 2005