Vibrasphere - Airfield / Urban Grace

Vibrasphere are one of my favourite progressive acts and this is one of their best ever.

"Airfield" has one of the sharpest kickdrums I can think of ever having heard, but it still manages to dive way down into the frequency range. The track is ridden with dubbed-out and heavily process sounds of jet planes and some of the crunchiest percussion ever. The slow beat makes it impressively groovy. The progression is almost magical, leading the listener through somewhat spooky yet welcoming soundscapes with their trademark dub delays. The sounds have a futuristic feel to them and the fantastic production makes the very best of them. Lots of mood, lots of hypnotizing, swirling, growling sounds and lots of points on the dance-o-meter.

"Urban Grace" has an amazing summery feel to it with a warm bass and funky rhythm. As always a tight production and very tasteful use of the sounds. These aren't the guys who'll sample the The Simpsons or The Matrix, if you know what I mean. While a little more club oriented than the A-side, this would still be absolutely perfect for some early ass-shaking under a setting summer sun. Sounds are echoing away towards the horizon, riding on the rolling bassline, while the spank-a-licious percussion makes you want to clap your hand to the beat. Knee-bending heavy but still of so soothing and refreshing, it ends too soon after 7 or so minutes. It's one of those tracks that should be released in a 20 minute version.

Conclusion: From a time where everyone started bumbing up the BPMs again comes a perfectly restrained yet very complex EP with a slow, hypnotic pace. It's my favourite from Vibrasphere (as of writing this) and along with ACDC001 (Atmos - "The Only Process" / "So Nice You Name It Twice") it's the best from this label before its turn onto the path of progressive house. Strongly recommended, one of the top releases of 2001.