Elucidations – Liquid Sound Design
Various Artists
Chilled albums were the curse of dance music in 2001. Hidden between the Ministry-Essential-Clubbers Guide chillout releases there were some more underground-friendly releases that catered more to the discerning electronic fans than the coffee-table lounge set.
And quietly, Liquid Sound Design has pulled a blinder with a nice set of unpredictable, unclassified grooves that are a veritable cool breeze on the feet for your summer listening pleasure. DJ Humphrey (Cafe Del Mar, Big Chill) has selected a smooth and smiling set of tunes high on the pleasure factor, and away from the cheese and uniformity that characterises a lot of other chilled releases.
Ott and Drum Druid (new moniker for the much-missed Laughing Buddha) offer a nice slice of psychedelic dub, the latter’s contribution being a trifle delight of nice pads and cute lines.
Lusine ICL’s “WScheming” is another particularly special tune, and Abacus’ “Return to Rama” is a sweet tune, plenty to lay back and remember summers past (excuse me) as well as pleasing everyone from the Cafe Del Mar posse.
All in all a solid album, fresh stuff and manages not to fall into the traps set by previous noncey downtempo groove compilations.
Source: http://psyreviews.net/2002/05/various-elucidations-liquid-sound-design/
