The Vitals:

Label: Sinister Recordings
Genre: Breaks
Number of Tracks: 2
Where to Obtain: www.beatport.com

Factor Scores:

Production Quality: 7.2
Programming and Arrangement: 8.0
Entertainment Quality: 6.8
Total: 7.3 – Good

Z's Take:

Opening with what can only be described as the soundtrack to a sci-fi suspense movie, the first track in this REX duo release drops us at the edge of space with a rough and tumble sound system destroyer. Electro blips and restyled ‘80s breaks integrate over a bed of jagged acid basslines. The first track is largely reminiscent of previous ventures into this genre (i.e., Chemical Brothers' "Dig Your Own Hole") but ultimately does offer a nicely minimalistic composition of electronic sounds.

The second track is a remix of slightly more creative proportions. It starts with a gorgeously simple kick-and-snare breakbeat that opens into a robotic trance version of the original. This track is a more refined club-type mix. It has fewer electro elements–and therefore less audio debris–while still retaining raw energy and staccato precision. Both of these tracks will be quite at home in any breakbeat or techno collection.

Production Quality - 7.2

Many times the electro sounds of this genre are enough to drown out any slight flaws in the production. And the electronic/mechanical effects themselves have no real audio standard that they adhere to. So, even when static or clicks can be heard, they can easily fall into the sound layers of the track itself. I will say this though: Overall, no parts of these tracks sound jarring or come across as poorly produced.

Programming and Arrangement - 8.0

Both of these songs rely mainly on subtle changes in the effects and basslines to carry the listener along. In general, both are minimal and only stray from the breakbeat/bass/electro arrangement once to add some keys and a male speaking sample before building (with a fairly old school snare roll) back into the main sequence.

Entertainment Quality - 6.8

I suspect that the entertainment value of these two tracks will largely depend on where you hear them. The energy they bring would rock just about any club floor, and DJs are almost guaranteed a favorable response. The low-end punch of the electro-break genre is built for a quality sound system anyway. But listening to the same tracks on earphones or small stereos may leave you a bit unimpressed. The warpy effects slip to the foreground, and the lack of true melody becomes obvious.

Summary

As one who has an ear trained a little more towards the minimal end of the spectrum, I found both of these tracks to be keepers. They provided some quality head-bang breakbeats and rough-cut basslines. But some listeners will undoubtedly miss melodic song crafting and venture on to more commercially flavored dance music. Both of these tracks are well-done compositions, but ultimately may fall into a smaller niche than they were intended.