Techno-bass violence
R. Solomon | New Zealand | 05/20/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was introduced to the Bug through a couple of 12"- his collaboration with Cutty Ranks (Gun Disease) and the Rootsman/ dj freddy (Imitator). This work is intense but as a series of singles I found the work aurally digestable. But a full album...I was a little nervous.
In keeping with previous adjectives I maintain that this album is intense. No two ways about it. Not that this should surprise anyone, it's on Rephlex, a label which has it's fare share of menacing tracks for sure. The Bug lays down the beats and collaborates with a series of MC's- Wayne Lownesome, He-man, Daddy Freddy, Singin Bird amongst others.
Not saying it's not good, it's wicked, but if you can sit down and listen to this in one go then you'll be doing well. It's not all intense though, indeed this record contains a few monents of melodic bliss (relativley speaking) on Live and Learn, which is kind of a dub poetry style track, and Thief of Dreams. The only track that didn't really interest me was "Superbird". Although I'm not that familiar with his stuff, I like Singing Bird as an MC,but Superbird reminds me of that Vanilla Ice tune, "I just wanna fly, put your arms around me baby etc...".
For me though and probable most people the 'real' Bug comes out on Politicans and Paedophiles featuring Daddy Freddy and Killer, a brutal track with He-Man where the bassline really kicks in about a minute into the tune that'll leave you thinking "jesus, what the hell was that"! The previous reviewer was right, you probably won't catch these tunes in your local dj set, so set up your stero, strap yourself in and nail anything loose to the floor."
Yes!
Scott Green | 07/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is just right. A very nice blend of Dancehall, Reggae, Hardcore techno. It's awesome. Great album all the way thru. It goes from hard to soft, fast to slow, and it's just right. Hooray for this album."