case for the untapped possibilities of drum ‘n’ bass on this sleek, classy
release. Fresh rhythms, lush production, and thankfully little techstep
monotony. Klute Productions
melodies and a genuine sense of humor — no, you’re not listening to prime
Black Dog, though you’d be forgiven for thinking so. By marrying the
glitchier aspects of new-school IDM with the best-loved features of the
“classics,” Oliver Braun has created a tailor-made masterpiece. Leaf Label
described as “symphonic big-beat,” Dave Tipper has sculpted an album that’s
more intelligent and less pretentious than that label would suggest. Imagine
recent Massive Attack as remixed by mid-period Aphex, and you’re not far
off. Higher Ground
debut album, Geometry nonetheless rewards repeated listening with spectral
melodies and elaborate, almost baroque digital distortion. Elegant and
insular. Matador Records
that’s becoming more stylized and formalistic, the work of Ben Jacobs is a
wonderful breath of fresh air. Organic, unkepmt techno in the vein of Four
Tet and Mice Parade, with enough ideas to fill a dozen albums. Domino Records
madness on this two-EP collection. Stephen Mason’s intuitive songwriting and
breezy disregard for genre make this a de facto critical favorite, but songs
like “I Walk the Earth” ensure that non-eggheads will dig it too. Astralwerks
you did in ’91, before you started listening to all this “intelligent” crap.
But one listen to these old-school disciples and you’ll be digging out your
rave whistle: Total Science meld early breakbeat techno with current drum
‘n’ bass techniques for a welcome rewind to the scene’s early days.
break this Oakland crew out of the underground hip-hop basement — but the
tracks, courtesy of 418Hz Productionz, put bedroom producers of all musical
stripes to shame. Had this been released as an instrumental disc, the cries
of “year’s best” and “the next Luke Vibert” would be deafening.
buy the album!” Thankfully, the Brazillianaire is still a bit too weird and
off-kilter to follow Moby’s footsteps down the middle of the road. While
Tobin’s quality control could use some tightening, it’s well worth a listen. Ninja Tune
pastiche — or at least narrows his focus to Dynamix II tracks from that
era. All things considered, remarkably irony-free and groovy.
