From Guy Elden Sent Tue, Apr 7th 1998, 14:20
From Guy Elden Sent Tue, Apr 7th 1998, 14:20
John B (UK) - Drum 'N' Bass Visions
I picked this up at the store last week on a whim, because the label slapped
on the front of it billed this guy as the second coming or some such.
At any rate, I must admit to totally liking this album. It's 2cds, on the
loveable Sm:)e label, and has mucho diversito trackage!
Disc 1 is composed of some seminally jazzy numbers, each ripe with samples
and loops of jazz riffs. At least, that's what it sounds like to me. It sounds
way too clinical to be a live jazz session, with the d'n'b beats as tight
as they are. I dunno, maybe he (they?) have managed to pull one over on me
with their perfection.
At any rate, it's really groovy. There are some places that remind me a bit
of Daft Punk or maybe even Bentley Rhythm Ace. But the melodies are nice,
and the real comparison I would make would be to the Earth comps by LTJ
Bukem. Earth stands above these tracks in my book, but only by a slight
margin.
Disc 2, however, is a _whole nutta bea(s)t_. Track 1 (Star Burst 1.1) starts
out with a very simple pulsing synth, mixed with some backing synth. It
almost reminds me of Vangelis, but the sound is not as awash with ambience.
It sets an incredible mood for the tech-storm that's just around the corner
though!
I'm not really up on my d'n'b these days, but if I had to choose just one
track to listen to all day today, this would be the one. The best part hits
you right after the first segment, with a massive synth bass wash that I've
_never_ heard before. A rarity to be sure, and I'm _most_ impressed with that
sound!
To continue on, suffice it to say that the rest of the second disc just doesn't
live up to that one track. It's a most excellent way to start out the side
though, and I really like the rest of the music. It's mostly a combination of
darker tech step, with occasionally lighter numbers. Essentially the exact
opposite of disc 1. No jazzy flavs to be found here my friends. But good in
its own respect!
My recommendation: 7.5/10.
Strengths
- Variation in tuneage
- Star Burst 1.1 ('nuff said!)
Downsides
- Not too many IDM'ish tracks on disc 2
np: whadda ya think???
--
jr