J • Majik* ‎– Arabian Nights / The Spell

Arabian Nights... Roller? More like a tumble-dryer.

Oppressive, Cold, Bleak... Are just some words I could use to describe this track (Arabian Nights) and I love it! J's breaks and beat laying in this are sweet. The main beat being the Amen and a very small looped section at that, for a large part... up to the 3min mark and it is then layered very complimentary with a back ground beat running alongside and/or filling in the gaps, VERY rhythmical indeed. This tune is drenched in feedback and delay, adding heaps of atmosphere to the Icy soundscape, and I would imagine the flute noise is exactly as the man intended it to be, even if that is stark and uncomfortable for some. I can't remember anything at the time that sounded like this, original and brave and endorsed by none other than Metalheads!
Not one scrap of compromise on this tune from J Majik, and it's miles away from his uninspiring last 10 years work :(
Listening to this is like looking into the future... at a distant sunless world with no hope.

Great earlier, deep J. Majik drum'n'bass tracks on both sides, definitely on the Metalheadz tip .... I love the amens, bass, instrument and film samples on "Arabian Nights"... But then there is this awful mid-range feedbacky flute noise that busts out a few times through the tune, which ultimately ruins it for me.... it's like broken glass on a chalkboard with reverb, hurts my head. Wish it was toned down a bit .. :(

One of those classic MHZ 12" that set the early vibe for the label. Arabian nigths is Metalheadz at it's finest hour, dark dark drum & bass for those that like that vibe. If you are a collector of MHZ, this is an must have!