Back catalogue: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: Adrian Sherwood lends a generous remixing hand to the label Dubmission and their flagship productions duo come solo artist Pitch Black (Mike Hodgson), producing an effects-laden leap through four dub drastics all based on original music first recorded by Mike. This is an exemplary case of "don't meet your heroes" being disproven, as 'Echoes Of The Night' and its filial sonic friends all worked as source material for an anything but disappointing remix bundle by Sherwood. The opening 'Transient Transmission' version is lilting enough, but the gears really get meshing on 'Third Light', which brings a turntablist's whistle, a wet yet naked guitar, and a dubstep flavour to things; finally, B-siders 'A Doubtful Sound' and '1000 Mile Drift' deconstruct things to complemetary effect, effecting dually electric Lee Perry vocals and halved trumpet importunes, the latter of which is heard set against a conspiratorial vocal sample.

Review: Initially released back in 2007 and now repressed for new audiences as well as enduring fans, Pitch Black's fourth album was possibly their best yet. Rude Mechanicals blends dance music and electronica with their signature mix of echoes, delays and deep basslines to brilliantly alluring effect. Kicking off with the lush 'South of the Line,' it progresses into tracks like the dub-heavy '1000 Mile Drift' and the high-energy 'Sonic Colonic.' 'Bird Soul' nods to Salmonella Dub's influence while 'Harmonia' delivers exquisite electronica. The title track features rapper KP addressing environmental destruction and things close with 'Please Leave Quietly'. Complex rhythms, warm bass and haunting melodies with sharp social commentary all make this a genre-busting bit of work.