Rapidly emerging as the work horses on their label, Greg Young and Stefan Nelson are back with their third release for N-Soul, their second as Virus (the third was the excellent Ambient Theology disc) and good though their debut Analogue was, this is better in every regard. Production, songwriting, textures and soundscapes-everything-has taken one giant step forward.
As is the case with N-Soul releases these days, this is a two-disc set. Disc one continues to explore and expand the hints of ambient techno that lurked amongst the more up-tempo rave tracks of Analogue. This is a disc that is best appreciated driving in your car late at night, or lying in a darkened room listening either through headphones or with the volume just loud enough that you can hear nothing else. It washes over you, grips your attention, and offers an invitation to let you tag along on a little ride. Final impression of disc one: these boys would make some frighteningly good soundtrack music.
Disc two. Yikes. Most of the second discs in these two-disc sets have served as an extension of the first. Not this one. Not at all. This is practically a different band. Think Portishead. Think Bjork. Disc two is straight up moody, atmospheric trip hop. And it's very, very good. Nelson and Young are joined by vocalist Stephanie Dosen whose vocals bear an uncanny resemblance at times to Karin Bergquist of Over the Rhine. Disc two is a bittersweet ride that leaves you hungry for more.
To my way of thinking, these guys are the best at what they do within this market. And they rank very high outside as well. This is world class music that deserves to be heard. Do yourself a favour.
