It's Thinking! (Prime Records)

Prime Records of Holland are turning out some of the most arty European house and techno music. Their latest bunch of releases are as varied as they are interesting. Parallel 9's 'Gnosis/Helix' sounds like a tranced-up instrumental version of Inner City. Trance Induction's 'Capita Selecta' is high on melody on tracks like 'Robogroove 4' and the upliftingly joyous 'Extra Terrestrial Welcome Song 2'. Trance Induction is Tjeerd Verbeek who also records for the Sabrettes label. Hyperion is another of Sensurreal's pseudonyms and their 'It's Thinking' 12" has much of their trademark string sound but with more of a club vibe. Wicked. 'Predator', Primes newest release by Children Of A New Generation is a zinging, knocking techno track that moves into more jazzy circles on the 11 minute b-side 'Prey'. Prime is a very prolific label and one to watch. So get down to your import store or - better still - get over to Holland and check them out!


This review also published in: On magazine

William Orbit - Strange Cargo Hinterland (N-Gram)

The fourth in Orbit's journey that has straddled the house boom and taken its own style off into new directions. Like some of System 7's happier moments and with funky bass and aireated vocal not a million miles away from Jah Wobble, this will be an instant crowd-pleaser for the laid back masses. Head music with house beats more suited to the beach than the post-club drive home. Save it for the summer!


This review also published in: On magazine

Various - Ascension Collection (Ascension)

One half of the Art of Noise takes time off from her self-confessed hack actibities of TV soundtracks and session string arrangements for this beautiful orchestral soundscape. New arrangements and compositions rub shoulders with traditional classical pieces. Overall Dudley avoids any musical references to AoN (which is where her egyptian opus with Jaz Coleman fell down for me). This has a pure and captivating edge that will keep you listening for the duration.


This review also published in: On magazine

Various - Totally Wired 12 (Acid Jazz)

Already up to volume 12, Acid Jazz have no sign of dying yet (depsite rumours on the internet). They're diversifying away from the genre they helped create with contributions from a new rock act Planet. Also in evidence are some off-the-wall tracks by Primal Scream with Goerge Clinton and a tribute to Art Blakey by Square Window and Stickman. The standard Brand New Heavies tracks and offshoots are here too as are happening new tracks by Dub War and OOKY.


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Dominatrix - Possession Remixes (Ascension Plus)

A camp high-speed hi-NRG track set apart from most with it's analogue feel on Baby Doc's Mix. Bypass the Blu Peter Vs Trigger Mix for the freaky Original Mix.


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Human Beings - Ice Age (Deviate)

The first release in a year from Deviate records of Utrecht, The Netherworld, their last being on Trance Europe Express 2. 'Ice Age' is a sort of sonic snow-drift whereas 'Rising Sun' is a lighter funkier affair. All have an slight ethnic acoustic edge to their ambient house.


This review also published in: On magazine