Taking the next logical step for any self-respecting off-kilter electronic producer after releasing tunes on the likes of Young Turks, Fat City and Martyn’s 3024, Hoya:Hoya boss and esteemed DJ/producer Ryan Hunn has marked up an engrossing debut LP under his Illum Sphere guise for the legendary Ninja Tune. It’s surprisingly mature for a debut: he consolidates influences from modern-day electronica and beat scenes like Brainfeeder and Stones Throw while continuing to feature the vintage roots of hip-hop in classic jazz, soul, funk and Brazilian music, while also swaying between the leftfield techno of ‘Near The End’ and the RnB infused chill-out of ‘Lights Out / In Shinjuku’. He switches it from the grey ambient matter of ‘Liquesce’ to its beautifully upbeat, post-dubstep, almost Synkro-esque successor of ‘At Night’ with Mai Nestor, while creating the dark, thumping melody of ‘Sleeprunner’ and the half-time groover ‘The Road’.

‘Ghosts of Then and Now’ is, as with all good albums, a journey of sorts. However the difference with this record is how it’s been conceived and executed as an actual album to be listened to from start to finish. The results are hauntingly emotive, and has definitely been made for deeper, more involved listening. It’s been out for about a week now – get it here. Massive recommendations.