As Far As We Go, And Back Again Un-Mixed

As Far As We Go, And Back Again Un-Mixed

Various Artists [Spearhead Records]...

14 February, 2008 | 4.55PM

• Written by: The Last Real DJ Alive
• Filed under: Music Recommendations: spearhead records

Here we have another top drum & bass album for your listening pleasure in the form of the curiously titled ‘As Far As We Go, And Back Again’.

This interesting package boasts an eclectic roster of producers that lean towards the liquid style of drum & bass, and you’ll be pleased to know that everything kicks off with a Logistics remix.

‘Luv Me’, originally by Blue Sonix, is one of those quality rollers with a tough edge that works wonders at 3 a.m. sandwiched in between filthy, high-octane tracks.

It will have audiences waving their hands in the air and begging for more.

‘Brain Freeze’ by Lomax, a track that’s been knocking around for some time now, is a fantastically arranged number that boasts a highly original drum loop, a bassline to die for, twisted Mentasm samples and Detroit pads aplenty.

Lenzman serves up a particularly nice arrangement on the ‘As Far As We Go, And Back Again’ LP.

Think back to a time where Goldie ruled the drum & bass roost, and Charlemagne was the woman with the vocals on everybody’s lips, and you’ll be close to the warm, liquid vibe on ‘Caught Up’.

“Hey! People get colder” screams the female vocalist in between sets of soothing Rhodes riffs, which is a beautiful, soulful line that will touch the hearts of even the most stony ravers.

The beats are different too, harking back to Total Science’s jungle revamps from the year 2000; they use a James Brown break underneath sets of thumping kicks and snares.

Syncopix and M Sauer come up with another 174 BPM treat in the form of ‘X-Cellence’.

Inspired by a typically housey, soulful, “Excellence!” male vocal, this is a bright and breezy stepper with a seriously, funky guitar-driven bassline.

‘X-Cellence’ is certainly what you’d call an instrumental drum & bass track, for it contains a veritable orchestra of different musical elements.

You’ve got expertly mixed strings that sound like they’re emanating from a concert hall, knee-knocking wah-wah guitar and some Blaxploitation horns that blare brazenly over everything else.

And who doesn’t like a good horn riff?

If you’re not already convinced to snap up this brilliant collection, then look no further than ‘Moving In Transit’ by Electrosoul System.

This is addictive liquid drum & bass in its purest form, with rugged, jazzy beats, an incessant, unforgettable melody and soothing atmospherics.

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