REVIEW: ED RUSH & OPTICAL - TRAVEL THE GALAXY

Format: CD album
Released: Late April
Labl: Virus

Both esteemed producers in their own right beforehand, the moment when West Londoners Ed Rush & Optical teamed up for their debut album 'Wormhole' in 1999 has proved a watershed moment in drum and bass.

The sound they came up with was unique - tougher than the mellow 'Swerve'/jazzy sound, techhy-sounding but more organic not as grim as techstep, and certainy sleeker and deeper than the jump-up jungle that dominated at the time.

Since then they've experimented with different moods and even tempos, from hip-hop to techno and breakbeat. But many will no doubt be pleased to hear that on this, their third LP together, they're harking back to their most famous work for inspiration and in their own words 'having some fun'.

From the sci-fi opening 'City 17' onwards, the trademarks are there. The beats are unrelenting and yet somehow less static and more organically funky than most of today's d&b. There are sonic echoes of techno and old hardcore rave, certainly in the mind boggling intro to 'Temper' and the pulsing analogue keyboard stabs that underpin the superlative 'Padded Cells', 'Move It, 'The Kindred' and many others here. It's become a cliche, but there are parallels with the heart tugging swoops and soars of the 'Bladerunner' soundtrack, especially on 'Chubrub', and the futuristic, sci-fi influence that gave 'Wormhole' its name is present throughout. As ever, it's the friction between thess sterile, ice-cold sonics and the fresh energy of the drums and bass end warmth that provides the thrills.

Some might argue that this nostalgic slant isn't bringing anything new to the d&b table, and admittedly not much beyond 'G Force Jesus' with its haunting choirs and house speed breakdown, truly forges new territory. Similarly, its almost exclusively instrumental status lends precious little in the way of crossover potential.

But the truth is their decision to take their own path rather than slavishly follow current trends back in 1999 has served them well. Unlike so much d&b around today - 'bubblegum' that does its job but loses its flavour on the metaphorical bedpost seemingly overnight - this is instantly recognisable and bears up to repeated listening. Still light years ahead of their competition.
4/5