Back in the early Eighties, when a little-known band called Jazz Insects played a dingy basement bar in Brighton, people might not have paid much attention to the keyboard player.

They weren't to know he would go on to become one of the most important figures in British dance music.

That Jazz Insect was Matt Black, who, along with Jon Moore, has been credited with pioneering the cut 'n' paste remix ethic. As Coldcut, they've also established an award-winning club (Stealth), released what many believe to be the best DJ compilations of all time (70 Minutes Of Madness), developed mixing software (VJjam) and founded one of the country's most respected indie record labels (Ninja Tunes).

New album Sound Mirror is their first release in nearly nine years and sees the grandmasters of dance move on from the cut-up-and-sample aesthetics that has won them so much acclaim.

Instead, they deliver an album of compositions, taking in all sorts of musical styles.

Many have said it's a return to form, but some critics yearn for the Coldcut of old.

"It's not the Nineties, it's the 21st Century," says Matt, a former teacher. "We're not in the golden age of DJ sampling any more. I don't feel the need to go back and roll in nostalgia.

"We wanted this album to have a broader appeal. Being weird and making abstract music is fairly easy. This time we wanted a new audience. We like a challenge."

The duo's career has been built on challenges. In recent years they've dabbled in art, filmmaking and politics - most notably taking part in a political campaign involving Brighton's Free Party.

They've also spent much time "VJing", the process of mixing visuals rather than sound, which is a focal point of their latest tour.

"We scratch DVD visuals," says Matt. "Like a riff, it's performed live. Every performance differs in that respect."

Coldcut's live shows are legendary. This time, they will be joined by two DJs, an MC and guest vocalists from Sound Mirror. Among them could be Roots Manuva, Saul Williams, Robert Owens or Jon Spencer - but Matt won't reveal who'll be coming to Brighton. What he does confirm, however, is the gig will include re-workings of two of their biggest tracks, Beats And Pieces and People Hold On (which made Lisa Stansfield a star).

"Fans like to hear the old stuff but we are updating it," he says. "We can evolve and change our songs in a way that rock stars can't.

"We have to do People Hold On. I heard that the other day and thought, 'This is a really good song'. I'd definitely sign us to Ninja Tunes if I heard it now."

Now in their 40s, with wives and children, Matt admits, these days, he gets his inspiration from different sources.

"It's not just about smoky, urban clubs anymore. There's a bigger world out there.

"I used to say smoking lots of dope drives me but I've given up now and my ideas still come at a rate faster than I can metabolise. Saying that, I'm glad I smoked a spliff and took some acid when I was young but now I'm happier than ever and as artists, we are better than ever."

But, as someone who has built a career around new technology, one thing has left him perplexed: "Why are iPods £300? Mine's broken. They should be £30."

Starts 8pm, tickets cost £15. Call 01273 709709.