Search - Audio Active, Laraaji :: Way Out Is the Way in

Excellent Japa-dub album

Allan MacInnis | 03/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Collaboration between japanese techno-dub meisters Audio Active with Laraaji providing inspirational lyrics & laughter...Quirky crossbreed of ambient & dub music, with overtones of a whole bunch of musical styles including drum & bass, techno and funk.Highly recommended"

Japa-dub?

Allan MacInnis | Vancouver | 10/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some other reviewer calls this "Japa-dub." New term to me, but okay, I guess... Audio Active indeed are Japanese dub masters, though it's not dub in the roots reggae sense (that's more Audio Active's rhythm section's side project, Dry and Heavy -- check out FULL CONTACT if and when it gets domestic release over there). This is a wonderful, spacy, playful, and smart CD, and the contributions of Laraaji are indeed inspirational and funny (Check out "Space Visitors for Tea: that lump on your head" and "Blooper's Dance Floor.") Strong bassy grooves with lots of layered echoings and shiftings. Global village idiots everywhere will delight (kudos to Iggy for that concept). No qualms; five stars; buy it. Note, also, that Audio Active and Dry and Heavy both do something rare in the world of Japanese pop: they write and sing in very good English (though Laraaji takes the helm for this release). Also highly recommended: HAPPY HAPPER and SPACED DOLLS."