French dance producer Christophe Dallaca (aka Kiko) introduces his second album, following Midnight Magic (2001). Musically, Kiko runs along similar lines to French contemporaries such as electroclash/techno producer Michael Amato (The Hacker) or Pascal Arbez (Vitalic), however, there are also strong leanings to the analogue architecture of Jean Michel Jarre or even new age composer Vangelis – see opening instrumental.

Having said that, Slave Of My Mind is primarily a techno dance record, full of well soldered rhythms emblazoned by excitable electro-pop melodies. What intrigues me though is how Kiko injects lengthy sci-fi synth passages that often make for quite intoxicating listening – tracks such as Preludia transport you from the dancefloor to somewhere weird and wonderful, before dumping you back on planet earth without you even realising.

Vocals do erupt on several tracks, but are almost incidental and standoffish, as far as Kiko is concerned it’s evident that the music is in charge – although mid-way through the album tracks such as So Time and Sunburn are a little repetitive and lacking in ideas.

This is soon brought under control, however, by Sciences Naturelles, where it’s really noticeable how those winding analogue synth sounds give a depth and richness that is occasionally lacking in Kiko’s dancefloor-oriented arrangements. Hence why these tunes, and there’s plenty of them, seem to be the most satisfying and bring the album to a enjoyable close on the vibrant, Jarre/Mode-like Science Naturelles and the stinging electroclash pop of World End Rock Up – great single material.

Alone In The Dark wraps up the album, another eerie instrumental with lush, reverberating synths literally stacked to the ceiling - Slave Of My Mind is a synth lovers dream, no doubt about it - therefore much more than a techno dance record and well worth grabbing.