kochiking, Oct 18, 2007
The original mix of Hybrid has an intro that starts off way out in space somewhere, then blasts us into an acid frenzy before the bass has even kicked in.When it does, shortly after, we are in for a treat-the tune moves along at quite a pace, at first maintaining the acid feel combined with those ambient atmospherics from the intro, then moving into trance territory.This section is rather reminiscent of their first two albums on Planet Dog, though the beat is more aggressive.The next part returns to the acid techno vein and Merv and Joie entertain with an array of weird and wonderful sounds as the tune progresses-one mesmorizing loop sounds slightly off kilter but is very effective indeed.One thing missing perhaps are some of their classic B-movie samples, that would really top it off.Still a great tune though. The PFM mix is nine and a half minutes or so of classic ambient drum and bass in a Good Looking Records kind of vein.Although it's pleasant on the ears and takes us on a relaxing, meandering ride it fails to sparkle and seems to be lacking something.A slightly strange choice of remix I feel and definitely one for the purists of this genre.Also, the original tune seems to have disappeared! The Infinity Project remix shimmers in, then states it's intent immediately with a pounding beat as the trance begins.Certainly this version is less acidic and more melodic than the original-plenty of layered sounds to keep us interested and even a voice sample is added though it's rather muffled, reminiscent of an Optic Eye tune perhaps.The piece is five and a half minutes of decent techno/trance but doesn't really bring the house down. Overall I'd say the original mix shines above the other two.
3.8/5 (