Those under the impression dance music is a one trick pony, restricted to technobabble and "get the people moving" rave anthems, will be pleasantly surprised by Hydro, the production collaboration of Robbie Bronnimann and Ray Goudie. On Aborigination, the duo's long-awaited sequel to Spiritualization, Hydro marries globe-spanning instrumentals to hard dance beats to present a thoroughly enjoyable sophomore effort. Aborigination begins with an ominous synthesizer peppered with pounding jungle percussion and a voice repeatedly whispering "breathe." Out of nowhere, a woman screams and a pummeling groove erupts from the speakers, signaling the triumphant entrance of the title track. From there, the album establishes itself as a consistent journey, from the Crystal Method-like synth gurgles of "Liquid Prayers" (augmented with operatic Russian vocals and a violin solo that would make Jars of Clay turn green with envy) to the thumping drum-n-bass groove of "Crystal Throneroom" that, with dba's Shaz Spark's strong vocal performance, is easily a highlight. "Push" sports a funky, elastic bass line, while "Serengeti Storm" is a mysteriously soothing mixture of African chants and a tight tribal pulse threaded together with a gloriously airy keyboard. With 12 tracks clocking in at just under 70 minutes, Aborigination is a step above the ambient textures of Spiritualization. It's a multicultural, rhythmic celebration, and another victory in N-Soul's campaign to bring legitimate dance music to the gospel market.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartAt the start of 1997, I wouldn't have been caught dead listening to what I describe as 'dance music.' Last year changed all that, though, and this album was one of the reasons. My problem with dance music was that most of what I'd heard was cheesy chart-techno, with pathetic lyrics and absolutely no melody. This album is far from that. Known to me previously as "that band that remixed Iona," this…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by John Vanden HeuvelNSoul Records has finally done it again! Aside from Virus's brilliant work on Analogue, I have enjoyed most of the label's releases, but found them lacking. As a result, I have usually been reluctant to hand them to friends. That's definitely not the case here. From the opening title track to the closing, a remix of "Rawar" (originally on their debut Spiritualisation), this album is an electronic…Similar sounding releases
1994Scott BlackwellThe Real Thing
2001UltrabeatBeyond the Stars
1996Prodigal SonsFast & a...(live)
2001KeokiJealousy
2000Paul OakenfoldPerfecto Presents Another World
2002Andy HunterExodus
