Earth Volume One

One of the very first major faces in drum 'n' bass music, LTJ Bukem has always enjoyed the spacier, spiritual side of the breakbeat arena. Known for weaving atmospheres and moods using a mixture of almost jazzy pieces and tribal rhythms, Bukem has been both prolific and successful. This Producer set is one of a clutch of recent Bukem releases and serves up a tasty nine-track sampler illustrating how Bukem works his technology yet manages to retain a thoroughly organic sound with his electronic creations. Opener "Cosmic Interlude" (Bukem, like many drum 'n' bass stalwarts, has a fascination with outer space and science fiction) is a peaceful, downtempo arrangement of jazz and hip-hop; "Demons Theme" sees Bukem kick into heavier tribal break beats; while the superb acid-house-tinged undertow of "Atlantis" offers a view to the early days of breakbeat. Rarely hardcore, always evocative, passionate, and certainly innovative in the drum 'n' bass world, the flavors that comprise LTJ Bukem's work are admirably represented here. --Steffan Chirazi