|
Night Works was actually released
just over a year ago, but since then Layo &
Bushwacka! have enjoyed success in the singles
market, prompting XL to reissue the album with four
bonus tracks tagged on the end. This is a suspect
decision artistically, as part of the original's
appeal was in the way it had been carefully
constructed and segued to form a complete whole rather
than a collection of individual tracks.
Nevertheless, the music itself still
sounds excellent, with nocturnal breakbeat tracks,
down-tempo rumblings and upbeat house anthems, all
produced with imagination and flair. The boys
have a feel for a good soundscape, and among my choice
cuts Sahara stands out for its highly atmospheric
breaks, with extra percussion flavourings and a
musical language that hints at Eastern influences.
All Night Long is a fine house track, starting off as if
firing its own engine and then taking off into the
sunset. Let The Good Times Roll typifies the moody
instrumental feel to a lot of this album, and Sleepy
Language is just that - a slack beat, wah wah guitars
and a wide open sound but with a devilish bass
underneath.
Then of course there's Love Story, the
boys' anthemic moment, recently crossbred with the
Kings Of Tomorrow's Finally to make a Top 10
single. To me the original still sounds better, with
the Nina Simone sample. With both versions on this
record you can make the choice!
The follow up single, It's Up
To You (Shining Through), is also present, as is a
cosmetic reworking of Let The Good Times Roll, which is not
really essential. New track Where Did We Go Wrong
closes the record with a tougher house sound.
If you have a keen interest in
dance music you probably bought this first time round,
but if you didn't I'd recommend you go and get it now.
The addition of the bonus material isn't strictly
relevant, though. It's the original record that still sounds
great, organic and forward thinking.
Comments
|
 |
| 
SINGLE:
more