Are Spooks the new Fugees? That's what the advance word says, and for once the hype might not be too far off the mark. The best tracks from this US five-piece's debut album are really very good indeed, blending the nervous energy of hip-hop with the sophistication of soul. They also have, in Ming Xia, an exceptionally seductive and honey-tongued singer. On the negative side there are too many arrogant lyrics about the music industry, which is of limited interest to anyone outside it, and some painfully unfunny comedy inserts. If the Spooks cut out the foolery and focus on their musical talent, which on this evidence is considerable, they could go far.