Mick Karn's "More Better Different" is a continuation of the evolution he's undergone during his entire career-- he's been moving into a pseudo-electronica direction for a while now, and without the presence of a live drummer, this direction is emphasized on this recording. Driven by programmed rhythms and samples, Karn sometimes takes it a bit too far-- the samples can get annoying ("Atyan B-Boot"), the beats and synth emphasis somewhat canned and lifeless ("It's His Birthday This Year", "The Show"), and the songwriting can be lacking at times ("The End Gag"), but there are some real gems on the record. Opener "The Jump" is in many ways a definitive song for the album-- programmed rhythms, guitar emphasis, and a liquidy bassline typical of Karn. But this album is no one-trick pony-- take the only vocal piece on the album, the spoken-word "Never Thought", with its mournful bass line supported by clarinets, it sets a mood of depression and anxiety and reminds us just what an amazing bassist Karn is. Truthfully, it may have been better without the vocal as its so evocative as a piece of music, but nonetheless its brilliant. And closer "Great Day in the Morning" features some of the most unique material that Karn has recorded. In the end, this feels more like a bridge to the future than a statement-- like Karn is looking to define where he'll go next-- its interesting enough to make it worth hearing, but its not essential material.