Rock solid progressive music missing some ebb/flow
Richard Diaz | 09/02/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Yup, another progressive music two-discer, which you probably guessed from the traditional artist name; it's simply against code to use exciting DJ monikers for prog spinners. Well, Netherlands man Fred Numf was actually born Fred Van Eck, but that's besides the point. Numf's recently floated some quality remixes about, and DJ'd since the 80's, which ultimately leads to this impressively packaged compilation on Holland's Black Hole Recordings.Immediately, dark synths and fueled bass draw you in (Basscamp "Intentions"), escalating quickly with cuts that rarely extend the five minute plateau before giving way. Well planned tricks lie throughout; riding the Mara/Fade combo "Song For Zoe" to an abrupt edit into intense, pounding "Echoes" by Reflective absolutely works, not to mention that the track crams dropouts, drum rolls, tempo changes, and distorted effects all within six minutes. Disc one's ultimately too vocal heavy for it's own good, as with the vocodered voice of Lucien Foorte's "Breathe In Breathe Out" spoiling an otherwise thrilling backtrack. Brazenly upfront, disc two drops producer of the moment Roland Klinkenberg's down-the-rabbit-hole "Cellophane," and two of Numf's own pieces, "Lovin" being the standout. Other nods go to Brethren, unleashing a corker of revved-up delay in "Reservation."Well produced and certainly one to thump the speakers, Universal Language just misses the ebb and flow needed to carry two hours over the top. Saying that, it's still a rock solid release for the vital progressive scene."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1