dba

Item: Bubble
Author: DJ Sci Fi

Bubble

(1996)

Reviewed by DJ Sci Fi

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Label Warner AllianceThe LighthouseNovember 1997

dance pop electronic techno

The English duo, dba, brings us this latest album, and thus, also imports the sound of Eurodance music. Bubble puts Christian music into the secular market in the form of the ever-increasing popular genre of dance. This release, however, finds itself with a few key advantages over its competition in both the secular and Christian realms.

The first noticeable difference is dba's diva, Shaz Sparks. Rather than the shout of garage house, and the basic melodies hummed out by other singers, Sparks delivers deep, Christ-centered lyrics through an awe-inspiring, beautiful voice that transcends the project into a praise and a witness-and a sound pleasing to the ear as well. Robbie Bronnimann shows both a style and diversity in his production. The majority of the tracks on Bubble feature the pointy kick, active percussion, and progressive basslines of Eurodance as a foundation. Then each track is built upon by the influences of house, trance, techno, or other forms of electronic music.

For the most part, Bubble can be defined as a progressive techno work, featuring a blend of today's progressive dance music that so many seek, and the energy of old-school techno. dba also adds the treat of a couple of very different tracks to the album. One is a dreamy trip-hop style song. The other is a very unique remix of the classic, "I Say A Little Prayer," done in what can best be described as a blend of retro acid jazz and jungle, which can be enjoyed by both the underground and mainstream tastes.

The only down points to this project are that the same kick is used in nearly every track and that this jam would most likely not appeal to the ears that are still seeking the underground sound in the Christian music industry. Other than that, there is nothing but positivity emanating from these reels.

dba has managed to create both a unique sound, and a sound that will appeal to the masses. Spiritual lyrics and the obvious presence of God in the lives of this pair give a powerful testimony to all. With the workings of Robbie Bronnimann and Shaz Sparks, dba has created a witnessing power tool.