Product description Form & Function Description .co.uk This 1998 collection of remixes, early singles and two new tracks complements Modus Operandi, the first album by Rupert Parkes, a.k.a. Photek. At the opposite end of the drum & bass spectrum to the jazzy R&B tinged music of Mercury Prize winner Roni Size and his ensemble of musicians and vocalists, these austere, almost minimalist compositions--often stripped down to intricate percussion, the occasional bass line, plus a few ghostly sonic embellishments--invite the listener to engage with the up-close textures of rhythm and timbre, and this approach is rigourously maintained by the various remixers (among whom are Doc Scott and Peshay). "Rings of Saturn" weaves in a sample from Pharaoh Saunders, and is perhaps the most immediately appealing cut here with its almost joyfully buoyant bassline. The early singles paved the way for a more cerebral, less dancefloor-orientated approach to drum & bass (a legacy taken up by Squarepusher, amongst others) and Photek's avant-garde sensibilities, as the title suggests, are structural, almost scientific in nature: rhythmic details rather than melodic hooks are what drive the music. The result is a record which, if a little ascetic on first encounter, has an appealing and rewarding complexity. --Burhan Tufail
B**L
Outstanding Work
As expected - A well thought through creation of intelligent tracks and exceptional production. I believe Photek to be one the of the finest producers in the world in this area of sound creation, and he has an ability to create beautiful break beat music touching on genius which stands the test of time. So it's no real surprise that he also is able to create atmospheric sounds for games and movies which included Blade and Gang related. He is also an exceptional remix artist and has created work for artists such as Bjork, Goldie, David Bowie and even Nine Inch Nails.A true artist of his craft.
A**R
great music, well priced cd
I wanted to hear this album after reading that jojo meyer recommended in to a friend. Couldn't stream from any service, so I decided to go back a decade and get a CD. Glad I did. If you like Jojo's drumming, this is where that sound begins. Am enjoying listening to it, and worth knowing that uploading it to apple itunes cloud is easy.
L**K
Modus Operandi's desired continuation.
Very cool Photek's album less known than "Modus Operandi" as good as this one though. Interesting Ninja and jazz influences and UFO adventures - highly recommended. If you know Photek because of Modus Operandi you will find that this album is slightly different in sound which evince in bit lighter drums.
M**D
Form and Function.
This is a very good drum and bass album by one of the pioeers of the scene. When I first started to buy this music Photek was a name that I would buy on sight.
O**E
Photek at his best !
I remember seeing Photek spin before he headed to LA. I shouted'Play 'Seven Samurai' !!!' . He knew exactly what I meant, but shouted back that he hadnt brought it ( pre digital age, only plastic ). It was the first track on this album I wanted him to play. Pure minimal bass, you will hear nothing like it. I dont understand other reviewers moaning about this album. It is better than MO in some ways, and deserves repeated listening. Granted, if you are not a dnb head, you will be venturing into the unknown. it isn't repetitive, if you think that you aint't listening ! I read once, photek will work endlessly for months on one break. Yes one break, not song. And you can hear it in this album. Rupert has worked tirelessly to perfect the sound he wanted, and damn it sounds like nothing else ...
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
4 days ago
