My thoughts on Wintermute's debut album are reminiscent of my growing admiration for the band itself. When I first discovered this Leeds four-piece a couple of years ago, I wasn't overly impressed. Their calculated guitar riffage and a la mode vocal yelps felt cold and dispassionate, their songs lacking accessibility and central melody. But time passed, and something clicked. This theme is replicated inch-perfectly by Robot Works. Initially, there's something not quite right. Though the record opens sublimely with the hook-laden 'Bad Company In A Sauna', the instant pull doesn't re-emerge for the majority of the record. But repeat listens lead to an increasing love of Wintermute's surprisingly complex sound. It's choppy guitar pop, but it's layered with an impressive intricacy throughout. It's the contrast between these sophisticated passages and the occasional firey, adrenaline-fuled breaks that make Robot Works a thoroughly rewarding listen.While the album has its weaker moments, and some of the production feels strangely thin, there are also sections that demonstrate impressive talent and musicianship - not to mention a keen ear for a good tune. Much of the album's new material is lower key and more slow-burning, providing pleasant respite from the often raucous noise. Indeed, Robot Works' standout moment is a piano interlude towards its finale: a replication of an earlier riff, stripped down into something remarkably affecting. Then, quick as a flash, it's gone, and it's back to the head-bobbing, foot-tapping, sing-along brilliance.The major downfall is that the tracks have a tendency to blur together on earlier listens. There's also a feeling that Wintermute haven't written their killer piece yet - but these are early days. What's here is certainly promising, and more than adept enough to demand a regular slot in the CD player. 78%Wintermute on Myspace