Abstrakt Reality -- Various Artists

1. DJ Rylo- Her Body
2. Tony Watson- Racetracks
3. Zimar- Ghia
4. DJ Rylo- Always on a Mission
5. Atrium- Freefalling
6. Tony Watson- Sitting in the Back Seat
7. Zimar- Let Her Know
8. DJ Rylo- Space Bass
9. Atrium- Wall
10. Tony Watson- Run Out Mornings
11. Zimar- One of Those Days

This is the first release from the Los Angeles label Abstrakt Reality. It hosts a variation of songs that serve as an introduction to the four electronic artists that share space on the disk and the label. "At Abstrakt Reality our main focus is on the artistic aspect of sound". This sampler stands behind the integrity of that statement and brings the sound to life.

DJ Rylo opens things up with "Her Body", a smooth mix of layered drum n' bass and mellow atmospherics. Half way into the song the music is interrupted with a minute long sample from a humorous conversation about strap on dildos and carrots... don't ask me why. Rylo's next track, "Always on a Mission", is equally drum oriented. These drums eventually radiate into sprawling break beats that pick up the tempo tenfold. Rylo has been in the underground scene for over six years, and his three tracks featured here are a good introduction to his work.

In addition to founding Abstrakt Reality, Zimar Manigault is also behind two of the bands on this disk. Atrium, which is a collaboration with singer/songstress Nicolle Ross, as well as his solo project simply titled Zimar. His music is richly layered, with a very organic feel considering the amount of electronics he puts to use. Atrium is powered by Ross' powerful soul-influenced vocals, and coupled with the melodic side of Zimar's music it proves to be a an ideal match up. There are only two tracks featured here from Atrium, "Freefalling" and "Wall". The first focuses more on the vocals, which take a hold of the music. But with "Wall", easily one of the more emotional tracks on the disk, the music and voice seem to play equal roles. In addition to the only guitar on the disk, Zimar puts to use a highly melodic, well-rounded arsenry of trumpet, piano, and electronic rythym.

Tony Watson fuses atmospheric soundscapes with heavy percussion. This is most pronounced on his track "Sitting in the Back Seat", with thick, noisy drums that contrast the slight electronics. Opposites attract, and Watson's music is no exception. Zimar claims "There are no boundaries with this type of underground music", and this sampler is testing that with a well produced record that has laid out a solid foundation for things to come.