With Join The Q The Qemists – three producers from Brighton in the UK – try and succeed where Pendulum failed; mixing rock and DnB without losing their credibility. This is their debut album, but they’ve released a number of tracks on Ninja Tune already, gaining the respect of many, and they’ve been playing together in various guises since 1997. There is a lot of hype surrounding this release, but the problem with crossover acts is the difficulty in satisfying both sets of fans… it’s no different here.

The album opens with the balls-out, banging epicness of Stompbox, which is a reassuring start. It balances its rockier elements with the kind of energy and vigour that only comes with DnB. So far, so good. Next up is Lost Weekend, featuring the vocal talents of Mike Patton of Faith No More, Mr Bungle and The Dillinger Escape Plan, among others. It’s a somewhat disappointing affair, not quite pushing the right rock buttons, and not quite succeeding as a stand alone DnB banger. It is energetic, but somewhat aimless.

On The Run features the vocals of Jenna Gibbons, and takes a more classic DnB approach, which ultimately results in a more interesting track. Dem Na Like Me, featuring the godfather of grime Wiley, was recorded before his questionable Wearing My Rolex was released. Despite the ridiculously high level of cheese, it’s the highlight of the album. With a vocal hook absolutely made for radio, and Wiley’s undeniable rhyming skills, it’s more poppy than the rest of what’s on offer here, and eminently likeable as a result.

S.W.A.G. and Drop Audio will almost certainly appeal to fans of Pendulum. It’s a little bit DnB lite, but just a little too poppy and cheesy to be palatable. On Got One Life MC Navigator channels a London rave vibe, but again the track lacks anything resembling a soul. Like wise The Perfect High has energy and a kicking beat, but it seems like the track doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. Again, if Pendulum’s take on pop’n’bass gets you excited, you’ll almost certainly love this one.

Hype and hyperbole cuts both ways, and if you tout yourself as the future of dance music you’d sure as hell better be ready to deliver. Join The Q promises much but delivers little… I have no doubt that this album will find favour with those who prefer their music poppy and accessible, but I doubt many true DnB heads will find an awful lot to enjoy.