Photek - The Seven Samurai / Complex

LOLOLOLOL!!!
I just had to comment on the record label. I don't even own this release, but I do know that Photek before the Mine to give era was very cool (I've heard the record before). The Japanese is done in very old, Meiji period fashion with even the telephone numbers spelled out in kanji. Complex has been translated from "fukugou" which sort of means combined compounding. Seven samurai is "shichinin no samurai." Japan's eras are named after the emperors and right now it is Heisei. Before that was Showa, and I am guessing this style is in Meiji, which was before Showa, when telephones were just becoming available for use (phone numbers were only maybe 4 digits long). One era before (actually 2 including Taisho-jidai), they would have written from right to left. Anyhow, I know what Photek sounds like. Dark, brooding, atmospheric jungle with emphasis on beat structure. Impressive that they are so young when this came out.

A rare release where both sides are equally as good, but also very different.

Seven Samurai is a dark brooding piece with crisp clean breaks (as you would expect from Photek), and influenced by Japanese/Martial Arts themes - a pre-cursor if you like for much of Photeks subsequent work.

Complex on the other hand is a much more melodic, atmospheric piece - more reminiscent of the work done under Mr Parkes 'The Sentinel' alias.
Haunting strings, then breaks down with the introduction of a somewhat hypnotic lead synth - meanwhile the breaks change seamlessly, and finally the amen drop is the icing on the cake.

A work of pure genius, and one of my favourite Photek releases.

Photek - Complex. Probably Photek's best (and one of his last) releases in the atmospheric jungle/drum & bass style. Pure atmosphere & class vibes. Respect going out to Photek.