Young American Primitive - Young American Primitive

Released over a decade ago, Young American Primitive's first and only (released) album is a superb example of timeless early 90's ambient house. The intro (a sample taken from the Alfred Hitchcock film "The Rope") perfectly sets the mood for the dark ambience of "Trance Formation". The dark groove overlaid with sudden breaks of refrained melody reminds me of FSOL's "Papua New Guinea". Another quirky sample sets up the albums sole single release "Young American Primitive" or just "Y.A.P." Although very melodic (and definitely enjoyable), this track hasn't aged as well as the rest of the album. The superb calm, assured groove of "Ritual" follows.

What follows at this point can only be described as ambient, down-tempo heaven. "Sunrise" is melodic, yet minimal, dark, understated, and damn near perfect. Maybe the most calming piece of music I've ever heard. The euphoric yet eerie "Daydream" follows, before the spatial groove of "Over & Out" brings us back to earth. People who've heard Sasha & John Digweed's Northern Exposure will be familiar with "These Waves" which features easily one of the most satisfying tribal grooves to ever be burned to CD, not to mention a gorgeous soaring melody. The dark, dubby minimalism of "Monolith Part One" brings the album to it's most rambunctious, and weakest song, "Monolith Part Two". Like "Y.A.P.", not un-enjoyable, but not quite of the same quality as the rest of the album. But aside from these two songs, the rest of the album is phenomenal. Believe the hype, and track this album down. You won't regret it.