Hydro
Aborigination
Reviewed by Derek Walker
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.