Squarepusher's Dirty Little Secret

Tom Jenkinson, AKA Squarepusher, is actually an accomplished jazz musician!

Turns out Jenkinson, son of an accomplished jazz drummer, is a classically trained drummer and bassist. That's him playing those wanky slap 'n' pop bass runs on 1999's "Selection Sixteen."

Squarepusher's latest album, "Go Plastic," comes out today. If the 2-steppy My Red Hot Car [mp3 format], the first single from the album, is any indication, Jenkinson has veered far away from his manic jazz-fusion-meets-drum 'n' bass roots; "Car" is downright poppy. In a good way. His chaotic trademark snare rolls are still there, but they support rather than contend with the melody.

Squarepusher will be touring the U.S. with Plaid throughout the summer. They'll be gracing the Bay Area for two dates in August: August 10 at Club Indigo in Oakland and the following night, August 11, at Bimbo's. Check the Warp Records site for all the tour dates and info.