Photek
Form & Function Vol.2

THE REVIEW

7 Years!! That's how long it's been since the last album release from Photek, one of the top drum & bass producers worldwide.

It's well known, Rupert Parkes (his real name) has always been sparing with albums, so after "Modus Operandi" in 1997, "Form & Function Vol.1" in 1998, and "Solaris" in 2000, here he is returning in 2007 with vol.2 of "Form & Function".

Although the F&F series is classified as a "remix compilation," this statement is not entirely correct: in reality, it is a collection of rare and/or unreleased tracks and remixes.

The tracklist heavily reflects all the numerous tracks released only on vinyl that Photek has put out from 2002 until now. Moreover, recently, Photek has slightly moved away from the early dnb-ambient to a much more bold and pumped-up dnb.

So the breaks hit relentlessly: from the initial "Industry Of Noise", tinged with rock that explodes into a powerful groove, to the radio-friendly "Love & War", passing through the liquid-flow of "Things" and the eardrum-shattering "Deadly Technology".

As for the remixes, worth noting are "Ni-Ten-Ichi-Ryu (Teebee Remix)" which, in my opinion, is way better than the original (contains samples from Kill Bill Vol.1!!), "Sidewinder (Infiltrata & Hochi Remix)", and the closing "Baltimore (Tech Itch & Dylan Remix)".

The gems from the past are two: "One Nation", very old-school jungle, and "Saturated Hip-Hop".

Ultimately, one of the most important dnb releases of 2007 and an essential addition to any enthusiast's collection.

Well done Photek!!!  Now we wait for the next album, the real one!!!