Photek ‎– Ni - Ten - Ichi - Ryu

I was never a huge Drum & Bass/Jungle fan. Some very cool stuff out there but on the whole I could take or leave the majority of it. However Photek absolutely killed me! Some of the best stuff I've ever heard. This record in particular is just timeless. At any time I've played it since it was released until now it always sounds killer.

Probably one of Photek's best work ever made on Virgin's sublabel Science (set up to release dnb productions from Photek and Source Direct). The track Ni Ten Ishi Ryu; originated by Japanese Ishi Yama Ryu who crafted this special swords technique for more then fifteen years to develope the unique 'Cut back Cut' Two Swords Technique) this can be heard in Rupert Parkes highly original release with it's most intricate complex beat programming and seductive hypnotic subbass lines. A true timeless masterpiece of (artcore) work, this classic was recently remixed by Norwegian dnb producer Teebee.

Around 1997, the time this record came out, lots of guff was being talked about “intelligent” drum ‘n’ bass, of which this record is a prime example. I don’t honestly know whether this record is better than “Super Sharp Shooter” but it’s totally different to nearly every d’n’b record that has been made before or since.

The A side combines amazing crispy breaks, a sinister bassline that sounds like it was played on a giant radiator, and really breathtaking drum programming, together with some eerie samples of wind and swordfights from a Japanese film. The end result would clear a dance floor in about 2 seconds but stands out as a really brilliant and atmospheric piece of music that just draws you in. Plus you can play it to your drummer friends and watch them weep like children. The B-side is more minimal and features some idiot hitting a saucepan every few bars.

Definitely the best Photek tracks ever produced. With "Ni Ten Ichi Ryu" every little sound just falls into place and together they form a powerful & energetic track. Same with "The Fifth Column". A bit more minimal but just as powerful with a sharp clean cut beat and dark, atmospheric background samples.

ni ten ichi ryu is a very clever drum n bass tune which focuses almost totally on the rhythm. the bass line is half way between being melodic in it's own right, and being an additional percussion sound.
together with short vocal samples and sword clashing sound effects, it becomes like a musical diagram of a japanese martial arts form.

fifth column - another intelligent beat-scape of a tune with a shakuhachi flute sample in the middle reminiscent of japanese "noh" theatre.

this is what drum'n'bass should be about!

excellent, changing, complex rhytms with simple but effective bass line.

very strong work, and proves how vital d'n'b can be.