Search - Adam F :: Colours

Unique masterpiece from the UK beat freak !

Luciano Rocha | Sao Paulo - Brazil | 09/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Warning: this album is addictive. If you happen to be getting started on the drum'n'bass scene, as many Brazillian fellows are; this album, pardon the cliché, is a MUST HAVE. It was not for nothing that "Circles", the best-selling single out of this piece, has been awarded worldwide acclaim ever since its release. This track welcomes you into Adam F's "beat craftmanship": very intricate patterns, smooth bass programming and dreamy-like ambiences push you towards an introspective mood, as the samples "check, check, check" (which my girlfriend simply loathes) announce tempo changes. May I suggest that listeners avoid "Circles" during daytime: it loses much of its magic. Also, the single "Metropolis" was responsible for the dark turn drum'n'bass took back in '97. It's more floor-oriented and features an impossibly dark, claustrophobic urban flavor with basslines so rough you will start wondering about the reliability of your speakers. I would also choose "Music in my mind" as one of the top tracks in the album: it teaches d'n'b producers the miracles which flutes, horns and sudden tempo changes can perform against the boredom provoked by the ever-so-linear typical d'n'b tracks (did anyone say Ed Rush ?).The jazz samples have an organic feel and are overall well placed (that is, you don't feel they're samples), melting gracefully with the ambient soundscapes. "Music in my mind" also features Adam F's own voice through a vocoder - and vocoders are so cool. 4th top track: "The tree knows everything". Although it sounds like a remix swap between Adam F and Tracey Thorn (since F has worked on EBTG's "Before today"), don't be bothered by the purists saying it's just too cheesy. The ambient-like vibe skillfully constructed sweetens Tracey's voice even more, making it a beautiful track, setting the mood for "Circles", which lies next. Last: "F jam". Acoustic drumming, electronic drum kits and MC Conrad (those familiar with LTJ Bukem will remember)take you on a future soul, jazz-influenced journey. My idea of a chill out tune. Well, record this album, steal it, buy it, but give it a try. It's unlikely to disappoint. (Almost forgot: try and look for the US edition. It has a Roni Size remix for "Circles" that you will miss should you buy the UK version)."

BUY IT!

funktion | The Synaptic Gap | 07/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hardcore DnB fans would choose to discard this,due to lack of the traditional,rough feel that is normally expected of the genre.This is an excellent album for people who are new to DnB.Very accessible,very clean feel.The music has been more focused on electronic danceability than complex breakbeats. It goes from jazz to funk to full- on techno and back again.Some excellent remixes as well.The US version contains a well done remix of "Circles" by Roni Size.Adam F has already made a huge impact on the underground circuit with seminal tracks such as "Circles", "Metropolis" and "Aromatherapy" and his presence on stage at nights like Goldie's legendary Metalheadz club and Promised Land at The End has given him a reputation second to none. The album will take you on a journey of Adam's emotions and musical taste.Buy it and let yourself be touched."

The Mosth refreshing and soundful DnB album, so far

Mariano Ferro - (mferro@impsat1.com | Argentina | 09/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Adam F is definitely going to be remembered for this album. Drum'n Bass has never sounded so "colourful". Mixture of ocenic dubs, along with powerful electrifying beats and eclectic voices (such as Tracey Thorn from EBTG, and Adam F himself behind a vocoder) are the essential plot of this album. Adam F's sensibility overcrosses the limits of the initial DnB and Jungle premisses, achieving an outstanding result. YOU'D BETTER BUY THIS RECORD !!!!"