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When Mike Skinner announced he was bringing an end to The Streets after 2011's 'Computers and Blues', unsurprisingly there was a certain level of intrigue surrounding what he would do next.
His admittance that he simply wanted to do 'something different' was interpreted by some as an indication that would leave music behind, at least for the foreseeable future.
But this theory proved ill-founded as even before The Streets had finished their final tour, embryonic material from his new project, The D.O.T, had already surfaced.
The D.O.T. sees Skinner again team up with Streets collaborator and former frontman from The Music, Rob Harvey. But the result has proved to be unrecognisable from the easily-accessible pop-hits that the pair were showcasing just a couple of years ago.
Skinner has certainly achieved his wish to do 'something different'. And the fact that most of debut album 'And That' has gradually appeared via staggered posts on youtube and the duo's own website suggests he appreciates it's a slow burner.
In contrast to The Streets, it is Harvey who takes on the role of lead vocalist. His signature falsetto that was synonymous with The Music is married with a drop-heavy cocktail of disco, funk 'n' soul, and dubstep.
It is strange to see Skinner submerged behind a collection of drum machines and sample pads after a decade of 'in-your-face' showmanship with The Streets.
Although his production shows undoubted potential, it does seem a shame that Skinner has all but extinguished his greatest asset- the lyrical prowess that made albums such as 'Original Pirate Material' and 'A Grand Don't Come for Free' modern classics.
The D.O.T. competently rattle through a 45-minute set that suggests there will be plenty to quench fans' curiosity when 'And That' is released next Monday.
The reggae hooks of 'How Do you Do it' are a particular highlight, and as Skinner and Harvey launch in to the set's closing number, the atmosphere has picked up.
They return for an encore, but this is slightly marred by one observer blurting "Play some Music songs!". Undeterred though, The D.O.T. close with Clare Maguire collaboration 'You Never Asked'.
A predictably low-key affair, but the beginning of an interesting new chapter for a partnership that has obvious chemistry.
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