Regular readers will know that we're big fans of UK producer Ghost here at Flashlight. It's refreshing to see a UK producer able to take on the cream of the US indie hip hop scene, without ever lurching into parody. He undoubtedly takes his cue from the Endtroducing and Deadringer school of atmospheric, largely instrumental music which never betrays its b boy roots, but turns it into something altogether more cinematic.

With Freedom of Thought, Ghost takes all the promise he's shown over the last five years, and produces the epic he's always been capable of. Though the spectre of Shadow and RJD2 inevitably loom large, Ghost has managed to forge a sound that's (almost) all his own. As a statement of intent, opening track proper 'Return Journey' is as strong as you can get…a snare heavy beat supplemented with live synths, Axelrod-esque strings and even some guitar noodling; it is truly mesmerising. It's also, along with the simple beat and organ of 'The Day After', probably the most Shadow sounding moment of the album. Sure, the composition of a track like 'Way You Feel', with its acoustic guitar loop, undoubtedly references albums like Endtroducing, the beats deliberately lack the visceral edge, opting for a more understated, melancholic edge. The nearest Ghost gets to a straight down the line banger is with the incessant two note piano riff in 'From the Beginning'. Even then, its undercurrent is one tinged with sadness. Even when he's damn funky, Ghost can't help but throw a curveball in.

Elsewhere, there are some fairly mental, expectation-confounding curveballs to be found. 'It's All Love' is brilliant; a heavily filtered, twisted and tempo change-tastic take on Northern Soul. 'Road to Nowhere' is a slinky, low key nod to Blue Note, and 'Remember' is nothing short of psychedelic prog meets hip hop. Well, if it was good enough for Edan...

Ironically, the one weakness the album has is the same that Deadringer suffered from. Though Ghost is undoubtedly a prodigiously talented and eclectic producer, the tracks featuring MCs are largely underwhelming. Jehst and Verb T are excellent in their own right, but their contributions disrupt the flow of an otherwise impeccably composed record.

Nonetheless, it's a small gripe, for Ghost has made what is likely to be the most complete UK hip hop album of the year. At various turns it is lush, simplistic, funky and moving, and I really, really think you should buy it.