7/10

After a number of smaller releases on independent labels in the past, Glaswegian producer Michael Kasparis aka Apostille has fully integrated himself in the DIY process by delivering his first official studio album through his own label Night School Records. With a much wider range in his creative freedom, the result is a far more explorative effort this time around and has seen the producer develop in his own world of synth-punk.

What seems clear from the off is the inspiration and influence for this new release. Coming across like an early 80s punk band dabbling in the then conventional electronic sounds of the decade, 'Powerless' sounds an artist that hasn't quite mastered the electronic side and hasn't let go of his punk aesthetics either. But despite it rudimentary approach to composition, the result is still incredibly captivating and appealing, opening up the preconceptions of modern electronic music and showing that even a basic sound can be used to deliver a professional and progressive release.

While it will clearly not be to everyone's liking, that isn't really the point to Apostille. Mainstream appeal is not on his agenda, instead creativity through variety of sounds sits at the forefront of this album and makes 'Powerless' an undeniably interesting listen.