Ed Rush & Optical – The Original Doctor Shade

It seems that with this LP the boys fell back in love with house music and decided to dedicate some of the tunes on the album to that revival. Even the more tech oriented tracks on here were also a bit of a stylistic departure from their stark, at times almost dry, and yet very effective late 90's sound.
As with their 2nd LP, fans gave mixed reviews but this collection does have some fun, enjoyable tunes to just have a dance party about. They are also easy, and straightforward to mix with.
While it was not a historic breakthrough moment nor a convincing, immersive concept album like wormhole.. Of their full albums, this one is the most "musical" and most diverse.

For me 'Why?' is outstanding track out of this LP. 'Get Ill' feels like a less dark/minimal rework of 'Bacteria'. The other tracks defiantly have a funkier upgrade from the older E&O sound. 4/5

This, the third album from Ed Rush and Optical after the seminal "Wormhole" and "The Creeps", is much more experimental than either of the two previous albums. Perhaps not as unified in vibe as either of the them, "Dr Shade" still benefits from some interesting departures from the normal neuro-tech of early Virus.

"Get Ill" is my favourite, with vocals from Ryme Tyme and some great scratching from Scratch Perverts it makes for a storming intro tune. Other tracks, like "Puerto Rico", "Why", and "Heads Will Roll" approach a more commercial sound than is usual for the Virus label. Still, those wanting teeth-grinding dancefloor smashers can look to "Hammerhead" and "Hacksaw" for business as usual.

Due to the distinct lack of ultra-dark material, I'm not sure this album had nearly the same impact as "Wormhole", but at the time there were so many other producers aping that style it was good to see Ed Rush and Optical moving in a different direction.

What can be said about these two music masters that has not been said already? Well in the case of this album its just pure genius, every tracks a killer especially hacksaw and hammerhead. The samples and killer bass lines these guys use is amazing, they get played in everyone of my sets. (along with most of there other stuff he he). Good to see the old school vibes of set up systems - fairy dust has finally been put to good use and made into a absolute stormer of a track on this lp. Keep up the good work boys.