REVIEW - DANNY BREAKS / SIGMA

Format: 12" single
Label: Hospital
Released: June 1

DANNY BREAKS: VOLUME ONE (LOGISTICS REMIX)
One of Danny's early 90s jungle era classics - whose role in the development of d&b is often overlooked - revisited by Hospital's Cambridge-based hero Logistics. It's full of energy, as Amen breaks crash like waves on a stormy night and Photek-style ambient dreaminess drifts in and out of focus, but although this rework definitely makes it playable circa 2009 (without a drastic change in atmosphere), it really begs the question 'will Danny ever make another d&b tune?' Given that he's most recently been making hip-hop beats the answer's probably no, but this is more encouragement to live in hope.
3/5

SIGMA: PAINT IT BLACK
More in the vein of labelmates High Contrast, London Elektricity and Influx Datum, this has all the hallmarks of a big Hospital roller. It's oozing melodies that more big band than jazzy, boasts that euphoric 'coming up on E' vibe that the label's best tunes have and comes topped off with a soaring female vocal that's employed sparingly but at just the right time.
4/5