Mis-TeeqEye CandyReview

They are the ambassadors of UK Garage. They serve up song nuggets that successfully combine the complementary fields of soul, R'n'B and even hip-hop; with this second album Mis-Teeq are really spoiling us.

Their debut package Lickin On Both Sides established a jagged pot-pourri approach, wrapping an undulating, sensual envelope of soul courtesy of Sabrina and Su-Elise around the staccato gunfire of Alesha's barb-tipped MC styling.

Veering between underground and packaged pop, each track on Eye Candy evades definition from one to the next or even partway through. The likes of "Strawberrez" and "Can't Get It Back" recall classic TLC or Destiny's Child. Summer tunes that emanate warmth and effortless 'tood, before nipping behind a cloud for a costume quick-change more akin to Method Man and Missy Elliott's, recent trawl for alternative beats.

It's exactly this type of mix that should stand them in good stead with clubbers and DJs alike. They have mainstream appeal, as they pout and strut for the cameras, and they have credible content for unlikely dance floor fusions.

Having written or co-written every track and retaining a diverse range of producers and collaborative talent including Norwegian hit factory Stargate, these three firm friends remain very much in the drivers seat.

The rocking "Nitro" deserves particular mention. It wastes no time in beating us into delirium with a ping-pong bassline and oiling pelvic sockets as Alesha and girls trade vocal parries that batter the delicate sensibilities of J-Lo, Kelly and Beyonce. Forget Versace and Dom Perignon, think New Look and Bacardi Breezer. Fight! Fight!

Now that compadre and chief competitor Ms Dynamite is due (quite literally) to take an enforced sabbatical, freeing column inches and her own elasticated waistline, there's no earthly reason why the girls can't climb high using their stiletto heels as crampons. If Craig David can crack the US charts, then why not Mis-Teeq?

Now that Michelle Gayle has been jettisoned from the game, we need to bring on the big guns. Now ready -aim -fire!