"Sleep Diver" is another atmospheric based track with predictable chord changes and boring drumloops. The production is fairly clean and I like the synth styles used, but I just didn't feel too much excitement in listening to it. The ICR remix is a definate improvement on all counts over the original. A nice amount of variation was used on the original melody idea, along with adding improvements and newer sounds. For some reason though, ICR felt it necessary to put in a vocal sample to let you know it's his "remix..mix..mix". "Remote Viewing" is definately my favorite track on this plate. It gives you another great example of simplicity and quality production. You get a chance to appreciate all of the parts of the track and just mellow out to the chilled beats and atmospheric pads. I will be watching out for more of Cable's production in the future.
Finally we get to Plate 1 in the Series 3 vinyl pack with none other than the man of the label, ASC. "Forcefield" is a very melodic and music track giving you some more of the characteristic spacey synths along with a few vocoded vocal samples. I will admit, that after awhile alot of the production in this pack sounds the same in terms of spacey atmospheric synths and similar sounding basslines. So despite my enjoyment for all of these tunes, you won't catch me playing them all in the same set. All I can say about "Zero Sequence" and "Cohesion" again is, listen to these tunes for yourself at www.cov-ops.co.uk. You can't go wrong with the production of ASC.
07:31 PM_ heider
02/14/2006
Mav/ Mav & Implex / Implex - "The Curse / Chasm / Ocean Of Oceans" - Covert Operations
Plate 3 in the Covert Ops series 3 release is also full of some more dark atmospheric goodies. Just remember that atmospheric does not always mean soft and chilled out. "The Curse" starts with a fairly lengthy intro with erie touches of violins and cellos. I was a bit dissapointed when the drums came in as they were a bit boring and rarely changed, but the overall use of samples and crunchy synth stabs helped to redeem the tune a little. I was able to get into the 2 tracks on the flipside alot more. "Chasm" had a bit of a cinematic and very musical feel to it. Think of the old Dr. Who tv show theme song (slightly cheesy but it sticks in your head). "Ocean Of Oceans" had a very similar feel as well, but with a little more energy to the beats. In the end you really have to hear these tunes for yourself to get the real feel of the Covert Ops sounds: www.cov-ops.co.uk
This plate is actually #2 in the Covert Ops Series 3 release, but 2 of my favorite tracks are on it, so I had to get the review over with. "Mescaline" is probably my pick for the whole series. The first breakdown sets the tone with a vocal sample from The Matrix, "You ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're awake or still dreaming?...All the time, it's called mescaline." I really like the way the track evolves because it can be used to come out of a more atmospheric mix or move into the harder side of things. If I had to compare it to another track it would be Kiko's "Passport". "Fast & Furious" brings things a bit harder with 16th note basslines and trancey synths from the man ICR. Also coming from his production skills is part 2 of the flipside called "Primavera" (my 2nd fav. tune in the series). The drum breaks were worked a bit more and are even graced by the vocal talents of Enya throughout. I would not put this at a highpoint of a mix, but it is an extremely musical tune to be enjoyed at any time.
04:23 PM_ heider
01/23/2006
Klute & Pieter K / Martsman - "Material Trip / Ago" - Commercial Suicide vs. Offshore Recordings
Commercial Suicide and Offshore Recordings have always been at the forefront of innovation in drum 'n bass. This cooperative label release is another great example of the sounds we have to look forward to from Klute, Pieter K, as well as the newest addition to Offshore - Martsman. It is easy for me to say that "Material Trip" is at the top of my current favorites since I've been feeling the atmospheric drumfunk lately. Angelic choral voices start out the track, and then the drumfunk high-hat madness ensues. If you like the sounds of Fanu, then check it out. The "B" side, was just that for me. There was not much musicality to it, but those who get into different sounds and breaks I'm sure will find it appealing.
01:11 PM_ heider
Duo Infernale - "Lost In The World / Infernale Dub" - Timeless
For me, Timeless releases have been a hit or miss, but this one's a winner. "Lost In The World" is another one of those tracks that just leaves you with a nice mellowed out feeling and a slight grin (though I'm sure the alcohol helped out). The beats are straightforward, but the combination of the moving basslines and complimentary pads are drawn together nicely by some sexy vocals. The flipside is a bit more energetic with the dubby vocals and guitars, and definately a track to move your body. I will admit I've never noticed Duo Infernale until now, so I will be paying alot more attention in the future.
Klute, the man behind Commercial Suicide never ceases to please me with his production quality, in addition to bringing new sounds to the genre. "Learn Curve" is an apt title for the A side, as it starts out seemingly atmospheric until the bassline kicks in, and it only works up from there. As the guitar riffs and punk vocals show themselves you can't help but throw up the slayer. "Hell Hath No Fury," despite its name, leaves you with a sort of content and uplifting feeling due to the major piano lines and underlying atmospheric pads. No cheese here though; only an excellent use of varying breakbeats and basslines you need to feel to enjoy.
06:27 PM_ heider
Noisia & Phace - "Home World / Out Source" - Citrus
These two Dutch and German production groups kept this Citrus release fairly straghtforward and techy in style. The A side is not a huge dancfloor mover, but still might turn a few heads with its Teebee-esque sounds. I was able to get into the B side a little easier in terms of energy. This might be what the kids are callin "neurofunk" these days. A few industrial type sounds were thrown in here and there which sound like they could have come out of the 'Terminator,' but it's definately the dark bassline and tight drumwork which hold this bodymover together. Crank it up on a loud system, and you'll know what i mean at about the 1:30 minute mark.
