'Modular Living' brings forth a most tantalizing concept, or the prospect for generations to come, when the human mind has finally given in to handheld devices that soak, suck up, and suckle the human brain. Right now, however, 'Modular Living' is a rather tacky and wishy-washy album, with lots of sounds that go whoosh but have no specific destination. Close to Jean-Michel Jarre choking on a sandwich bought at a Jean Borel motorway restaurant, this album proves unsafe under the Health & Safety Regulations Act. Dazed and confused, its whirlpool sounds do eventually wind down, first of all on the lengthy fourth track, 'Rowley Way Overlook'. Very samey, its mesmerizing bits, however, build up to very little. Dragging its heels, this album soon falls short of ideas, both in melody and composition. And in spite of its minimal touches, the clumsy London touches of this quasi-German electronica affair become very apparent. It is Stereolab muzak best played in Lidl's.