Search - Hybrid, Julee Cruise :: Wide Angle

A wide angle shot of a varied landscape

Ingmar Collinson | 02/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hybrid have gone all out on this album to provide the listner with an aural soundscape that really does justify the title. Neo-classical strings colide and merge with trance and breakbeats, with elements of jazz and downbeat surfacing from time to time, accompanied by passionate lyrics from Julie Cruise (of Twin Peaks 'Falling' fame). Though I won't dispute that she's a talented artist, I feel that one or two of the tracks, such as 'High Life' could have perhaps done without her contribution and instead developed into fully-fleged trance stompers. I would have given a 4.5 if I could, but it slips into '5' territory on the creative genre-merging they've tried to achive. But even then, the odd slip that Hybrid make hardly spoils what is otherwise unique album, and even an 'off' track by them can still wipe the floor with some of the comercial drivel that's suffocating the airwaves at the moment.'If I Survive', 'Dreaming Your Dreams', 'Finished Symphony' and 'Sinequanon' in paticular, showcase Hybrid's remarkable direction. Mainstream 'chart' dance music has sometimes managed to 'brainwash' the public into thinking that the Chemical Brothers & Fatboy Slim is all there is to the genre. Then, occasionally, artits such as Hybrid rear their creative heads and throw an album such as this out to the maddening crowds, showing that true tallent is still in there somewhere. A great album from one of dance music's most promising new acts."

Different from what you would expect!

shannonyo | Lincoln, NE USA | 01/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people think that trance should fit into one particular category. They tend to have the preconceived notion that trance is rather repetitive and boring. Hybrid continually redefines the genre of trance in their first full-length album.Hybrid is known throughout the "electronic music" genre for their amazing remixes (they've remixed the likes of Moby, Craig Cox, artists under the Hooj Choons label, etc.). They've mustered up strength, found in past remixes, and put forth an amazing effort in their debut album.The group begins the album with an orchestral piece that sets the mood for the rest of the album. Then, right away, the listener is presented with a breakbeat sound with an underlying trance feel. The female vocals add the necessary elements to the album. Songs such as "If I Survive," "I Know," and "Dreaming your Dreams" are great for the album's entire concept. Julee Cruise is the divine element that great trance groups have needed and failed to provide. Hybrid has definitely redefined what is "trance." By adding tremendous bass lines and breakbeats to the genre defined boundary lines of trance, the group has produced an amazing album of intense listening pleasure. Two words of advice (for anyone considering purchasing the album): Buy IT!"

Unbound

shannonyo | 07/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a decks drums groove boxes racks synth samplers midi techno junkie, I'd have to say that this disk is one of the most technically and aurally impressive purchases i've ever made! US West Coast Breakbeat can't even hold a candle to this trancy, melodic, energetic, and unique blend of sounds and rhythyms. From this day on, I'm shelving my SP808 and picking up a bunch of string session players."