Photek Productions* – Form & Function Vol 2

In essence you're paying 80 quid for One Nation, the rest of the LP is well below mediocre.

It's a shame that 'One Nation' doesn't have it's own side.

the end of 'one nation' (5:27 - ) contains samples from Autechre

I give 5* for One Nation - the rest utterly forgettable, IMHO of course

One Nation finally see's a release! Vintage Photek

Don't call it a comeback... Photek never left the building. On his second volume of FORM & FUNCTION, he gets right down to business with the rock guitars and slamming breaks of "Industry of Noise." And... are those rock lyrics? It's another surprising shift for him. "Love & War" has more traditional female lyrics to punctuate the breaks. Robert Owens (who provided vocals for the massive hit "Mine To Give") reappears on "Things" as if to show that house isn't his only thing. I do miss Photek's spirit of innovation, though; as blistering as "Deadly Technology" and "Man Down" are, they doesn't feel particularly unique. "One Nation" starts off atmospheric, but quickly moves into its rhythmic workout. "Saturated Hip Hop" gives a hint of experimentalism with its modulated bassline, while the DJ Die and Clipse Remix of "Thunder" brings the full-force funk, and "Full Specturm Dominance" goes full sci-fi. In a blast from the past, Teebee gets his mitts on "Ni Ten Ichi Ryu" and makes it more aggressive, and Tech Itch and Dylan add a nice warmth to "Baltimore" before the grind starts. For jungle heads, it's pure manna from heaven, though I'd like to see Photek stretch himself a little more.

Right! I have spent some time listening to this album & have to say that it is simply stunning! From the lush opening tune 'Love & war' it is clear that Photek is back with something special. 'Deadly technology' is my fav from the album with its razor sharp intro and the most tearing drop in years!!.

The two old tracks, 'One nation' and 'Saturated hip hop' give the album a very special identity and both are excellent tunes to the former's amen workout & the latter's stunning beat programming. 'Man down' featuring Teebee & Tech itch is very late 90's sounding with a pounding reece bassline over some nice breaks. A excellent tune.
Photek also is on the vocals for 'Industry of noise' which is a nice tune with a indie feel to it & great Photek drums.

The remixes are also spot on with the inclusion of in my oppinion the best remix of all time! the legendary 'ni ten ichi ryu' by Teebee. What a stunning job he did. The tech itch & dylan remix of 'Baltimore' is also excellent with the duo's trademark metallic breaks all present.

The only downer i feel is the 'Thunder' remix by die & clipse which just sounds weak compared to the rest of the album. 'Full sprectrum dominance' is a classic homage to Photek with clear references to his best work all included in one huge tune!

To conclude this review i must say i waited a long time for this album and it has not disappointed one bit. The production is stunning with nice vocal tunes followed with some heavy dark drum & bass. If you like Photek then this is a must and if you are serious about your drums then you must check this album. I will also be buying this on vinyl for 'Deadly technology' which is worth getting alone for!

PS - I note that a lot of people have dismissed this album without actually taking time to listen it fully, but this will certainly stand the test of time and no doubt be hailed a classic in years to come