Released
1998
Label
Digital Hardcore Records
Reviewed by
Kyle Godbey
Visit
Last Edit/Update
03 May, 1999
Christoph de Babalon
If You're Into It, I'm Out Of It
Track Listing
1. Opium
2. Nostep
3. Expressure
4. What you call a Life
5. Water
6. Brilliance
7. Dead (Too)
8. Damaged III
9. Release
10. High Life (Theme)
11. My Confession
Jungle. Drum and bass. Breakbeat. Whatever you'd normally call
that sort of thing, well... this is the exception to the rule. Upon first playing
this and expecting to hear a Photeck album blazed with distortion, I hit the
first cut, "Opium", and am overwhelmed with 16min of minimal droning bliss.
I can't think of a better name for this song then "Opium". Already all my
expectations are shot.
If you are unfamiliar with the arsenal of noise and shouting that
Digital Hardcore launches, this is a perfect first step. If you ARE familiar,
then you are in for as much a shock as I. I've been listening to Atari Teenage
Riot and other DHR bands for about two years now. I've been listening to
jungle and breakbeat for plenty longer, and after a full trial of this album;
I would undoubtedly put this on the top of my genious list.
After "Opium" finally fades away and I'm slowly regaining conciousness,
"Nostep" rolls in with more smooth textures and boucing video game sounds
this time Christophe shows us why he's called a breakbeat DJ. After "Expressure"
is finished bludgeoning me with noise and racing beats that now has my understanding why Alec Empire signed this man, another wave of blissfull textures strikes.
"Everyday of my life", "Brilliance", as well as the last cut "My Confession"
are both laiden with smooth minimalism and tough yet captivating breakbeats.
The more I listen to the more I understand the cover, Christophe standing against a
wall in black and white. The emphasis isn't on Christophe, it's on the coloring.
Each song has a black and white tone to it, brash black distorted beats and
a white soundscape to wrap it into an album that pulls off minimalism in a
brand new sexy fashion.
Tracks like "Water", "Dead (Too)", and "Damage III" are a little more black
then white and yank me out of my trance but only to have me wondering how he
actually does it. Then "Release" and "High Life (theme)" come through and
the album backs out the way it began.
I'm still amazed at how such a high paced album can be so hypnotizing.
Why I think about relaxing and listening to something really chill, I go for Swans
or Dead Voices on Air, but never have I imagined DHR would put out an album
anyone would call "Mesmerizing". Basically, I'd be at a huge loss not picking
this one up.
