Commix - Call To Mind

I'm really surprised nobody has even reviewed this album yet. Maybe it's because the CD and digital release came out for what seemed like forever before the vinyl release. Maybe because some may feel sighted, either for losing tracks on the vinyl release or that the pressing plant effed the track labels on two 12s. This is nothing new. My white vinyl repress of Talk to Frank/Electric is the same way. Completely ass backwards of the actual tracks on their respective sides. Somehow though, I don't think Guy or George produced great music for the sole purpose of confusing the lot who buys their vinyl releases.

That being said, don't rate this album or review it on the basis of you getting an imperfect copy. If the music is what is focused on, I guarantee you you won't be disappointed. This album draws in so many numerous influences, but the vinyl version focuses on only 6 of these great tracks. They're all really well-produced tracks with [what I think is] a lot of diversity in their stylings. They're all deep, but fitted for the dancefloor also. For me, I have to say it's all about "Emily's Smile" if we're going with a favorite here. The sine bass in this song gives me this rush every time I hear it. "Strictly" and "How You Gonna Feel" are some serious business too, but again, the album is rounded out by "Emily's Smile." Definitely one of the Cambridge wonders' best songs (that's debatable, I have yet to hear a shotty Commix song). This is, without a doubt, in the top 3 best dnb of the past 5 years, hell we'll even go 8. This album is going to be one that defies time, which is quite appropriate for the Metalheadz camp, innit?

Call To Mind is my pick for best Drum & Bass artist album of 2007. Commix deliver their trademark big bassline dancefloor killers--Be True, Satellite Type 2 (the anthems from the sampler 12") and Strictly--and cover a lot of other bases without overextending themselves. Steve Spacek's vocals shine on How You Gonna Feel, a bittersweet yet upbeat breakup song. Emily's Smile is an endearing track showing the duo's emotional reach. Japanese Electronics is a curious gem that sounds like a ticking toy in a Tokyo anime movie. Techno exerts its influence on Belleview, a quirky lighthearted stepper, and obviously again on the hidden UR remix. On Change, Commix lay down a fat break and bassline and let the Nextmen's braggadocio turntablist scratches do the talking. Burn Out and Call To Mind are pleasing enough mellow mid/downtempo tracks that break up the pace of the record. They even include a House tune, Spectacle. Cop this if you're after an accessible (mostly) Drum & Bass album with solid production and just the right amount of variety.