London-based Japanese composer Mieko Shimizu releases her fourth album, far removed from the fast-paced breaks of her alter-ego Apache 61.

On My Tentacles, Mico takes a more introspective approach, although the album retains a glitchy, electronic core, opening with the poppy title track – oscillating with a myriad of phased synthesiser tones, crunchy percussion and Mico’s rather unassuming vocal.

In fact, there are some vocal limitations, particularly on I See a Soul, where Mico’s voice lacks the power to rise above the arrangement’s heartening array of strings – in itself sitting uncomfortably against a rather juddering underbelly of splintered beats.

However, Mico’s vocal quickly finds its place on the following Undersong, taking up an almost mantra-like embodiment, profiting from the surrounding cacophony of interweaving acoustic sounds, and likewise fares well when dual-layered on the following, virtually acapella Think Like A Swarm.

Time Is Over is another well-received effort; Mico’s clever and intricate programming mixes well with the vocals here, and soothing piano provides some luxuriant interlocking harmonies.

On Bullet Train, Mico sings in her native tongue, where she sounds much more natural and compelling; perhaps the entire album should have followed suit. My favourite of the nine, its gliding mix of acoustic guitars, strings, vocals and the gentle patter of electronic percussion combine effortlessly, before Mico closes with the modern glitch jazz of Cobra Mist and end-ballad Speak To Me.

Despite some reservations on the vocal front, which may simply be down to personal taste, there’s no doubting that My Tentacles is an honest, homely, unpretentious and charismatic record featuring an intriguing blend of acoustic and electronic synchronicities.