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But it not until "The Tree knows everything" that the introduction of a accomplished vocalist is introduced (courtesy of "Everything But the Girls - Tracey Thorn") that the true melodic spirit of the album truly unleashes on the listener. "Music in my mind" is a smooth synth-sampling breakbeat excursion of sublime structure. And the inclusion of the astonishing atmospheric "Circles", easily matches anything produced by similar artists, and matches 'LTJ Bukem' seminal "Logical progression" for innovation, scope, production, atmosphere & downright influential tracks. As a Hip-Hop / Drum & Bass musician & Producer that has worked with some of Dance music's most revered artists (Goldie, Redman, LL Cool J), he burst onto the album scene with this his 1997 debut "Colours". Forget hard edged Drum & Bass.this album has its hand in the smooth Jazz-tinged 'LTJ Bukem' intelligent Drum & Bass end of this."Metropolis" opens the album very strongly, with late night ambient Jazz layered over the D & B breaks.
Blah blah blah - just go buy it.
4th top track: "The tree knows everything". (Almost forgot: try and look for the US edition. 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. My idea of a chill out tune. Warning: this album is addictive.
Well, record this album, steal it, buy it, but give it a try. Also, the single "Metropolis" was responsible for the dark turn drum'n'bass took back in '97. It's unlikely to disappoint. It has a Roni Size remix for "Circles" that you will miss should you buy the UK version). 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. Last: "F jam".
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'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. Acoustic drumming, electronic drum kits and MC Conrad (those familiar with LTJ Bukem will remember)take you on a future soul, jazz-influenced journey. It was not for nothing that "Circles", the best-selling single out of this piece, has been awarded worldwide acclaim ever since its release. 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. "Music in my mind" also features Adam F's own voice through a vocoder - and vocoders are so cool.
May I suggest that listeners avoid "Circles" during daytime: it loses much of its magic. 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.
The album will take you on a journey of Adam's emotions and musical taste.Buy it and let yourself be touched. 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.
Adam F's sensibility overcrosses the limits of the initial DnB and Jungle premisses, achieving an outstanding result. 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. YOU'D BETTER BUY THIS RECORD. Adam F is definitely going to be remembered for this album. Drum'n Bass has never sounded so "colourful".
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