Search - Various Artists :: Digital Empire II: The Aftermath

11 OUT OF 10!

David A. Roller | 12/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation gets bonus points from me. The previous compilation was a "best of" set, giving new electronica fans a wide variety to listen to. Meanwhile DE II takes it a step further, exploring smoother and harder sounds than before.All the returning artists did well with their second contributions, except for Rabbit in the Moon. "Floori.d.a" lacked the consistency of their previous releases on "Digital Empire" and "Urbal Beats" (another great comp). It wasn't what I expected to hear from past comps, but was okay.Roni Size's "It's Jazzy" did excellent with its fast moving drum loops and sharp cuts into the sound.But the highlight of it all was probably the contrast between neighboring songs "Playing With Lightning" by Expansion Union and "Skyway" by Infiniti. It goes from the hardest sound to the smoothest sound on the album and they (strangely enough) fit together in the lineup like key to lock.And finally, I received a nice little surprise inside the 2 CD set--a CD sampler titled "In The Mix," which covered more of the club scene that DE II didn't really cover.So, considering the total package deal, I give it an 11 out of 10 with a bonus point for it's depth and value."

Excellent CD

bobodoc1 | New York, USA | 04/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Aftermath" features the next step from "Digital Empire-Electronica's Best". Released in the same year, this cd features more selections from the previous cd's artists. The fatboy slim "big beat" edits are definitly my favorite on all the "Digital Empire" cd's. On this cd, BT's "Godspeed" definitly gets my attention as well as "Florr.i.d.a", "Deep Sky" and definitly Crystal Methods "Coming Back". If you like the first DE cd, you'll like this cd. Check it out! Bi Bi from BoBo"

Quite a Well-Rounded compilation.

coma black | Baltimore, MD | 07/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Disc one, opening up with "Crystal Method's Comin' Back" an excellent track! Although, I must admit it gets repetitive after a while. Its hardly one of the highlights of this compilation. The next two tracks are kewl within themselves. You have to listen to them for a while to "catch on" Propellerheads remix of Velvet Pants track four, isn't really impressive... Still its a good track for the compilation. I think the original is like 10x better though. Frankie hits you constantly with claps on the fifth track, I dont recommend that one for pleasurable listening. If you like headaches, well... the rest of disc one besides "GFS's Creep" which seems to be a form of D&B, I kinda like to listen to it while im chilling out, and "Deep Sky's Legend" If you are a fan of dreamy trance. This song kicks you have to hear it, it's on my favorites list! Disc two is definitely the better of the two! It opens up with some happy techno music I dont even really want to analyze... I guess if your in a really trippy mood... Anyways, Track Two *Another highlight of this compilation* Roni Size keeps you moving with this track, its a killer! From the beginning he starts out relatively slow.....building you up for this total lapse into tha kewlest beat! Its definitely going to make you move! The Third track, a remix by the chemical brothers (I find it to be apparent) They just have a way of twisting the beat into their own sound. Its a very likable track, a little selective but listen to it a few times you will start to love it. Now, the fourth track is a Dance killer. From the beginning the beats seem to be sending earthquakes right through the floor! Turn this shi0t up because the track is going to level you! The Mantronik Track *highlight of the compilation*, has some of the coolest vocals you will ever hear, this track definitely did "blow my mind" Its VERY addictive. Even if you dont buy this compilation, hear this track because its worth your attention! Cirrus track, on a mission... not very kewl... its a little too cluttery sounding for me. Expansion Union! Playing with lightning! This track, omg talk about building the sound, throwing you all over the place! Another *highlight of the compilation*. Juan Atkin's skyway is a chill out track...play it low and stay layed back... Well, we made it to the absolute *best track of the compilation* Transeau's Godspeed. This guy does trance like nobody else, besides maybe van Dyk. BT's trance is a little less traditional but nonetheless very enjoyable! Listen for the climatic sound building.... The highlight of all trance tracks. That drum roll prelude, you know? The next two tracks are pretty kewl but not worth noting, the last track of the compilation, Dont stop by the freestylers... Pretty uplifting I would say! It sounds like it could be a cheerleader music or something but its worth a listen!Well you've heard my direct opinion on this compilation. Go ahead. Buy it. I have bought lots of music and I recommend this compilation to you. It has those tracks that "keep it active in your cd player" Peace all....."