Photo: Will Cooper Mitchell

It’s been 11 years since the last proper DJ Food album but alas, he’s returning with his distinctive break-beat sound deep into the 21^st century with his forthcoming LP, The Search Engine. Collectively, the album features everything from outer space inspired soul samples to jazzy jungle beats, moody interludes and up-tempo anthems. “Sentinel (Shadow Guard)” stands out for its progressive fusion of hip-hop breaks and the more contemporary electro sounds of Dada Life or Boys Noize. The song opens with an inconspicuous and delicate string melody, but begins building steam as a heavier guitar riff struts in. The buildup pivots around a hard hitting cymbal, where the floor falls out and the growling bass-guitar riff takes center stage. In other words, it’s a nice slice of where DJ Food’s at in 2012.

The Search Engine arrives February 12 via Ninja Tune.