Alien Project - Aztechno Dream - Tip World

We all need a bit of Alien Project in our lives. After last year’s wonderful Midnight Sun album, and the recent so-so collection of singles, remixes and oddities Dance Or Die, Ari Linker’s second “proper” album is a shot in the arm for the global psychedelic scene. Crystal Skulls kicks things off, a sped-up, full on rework of Alien Project’s contribution to Tip’s acclaimed Thirteen Crystal Skulls compilation. With a similar vibe, samples and lead lines it’s a classy way to kick off the album. The bpm is perfect, Ari’s trademark growl sneaks in and out while a killer echoed melody sits cutely on top. The breakdown is huge, and it crashes back in to a final run that will have the crowd jumping so high they bang their heads on the ceiling. One Good follows, tight with neat percussion and “proper” techno bounce, cascading into an arms-everywhere finale. The Ring is a slight departure from the traditional Alien sound, much more atmospheric with some tight pads giving an ethereal feel though with no loss of that trademark crunch. When the two styles combine, there’s a maddening rush of intensity that’s among the best I’ve ever heard, and the overall effect is a tune that reaches right into you and grabs you before chucking you about the room. Silent Running is deep and dirty, with a real growling lower section over which a sci-fright top melody twists and turns while recent single Aztechno Dream with its heavy-set, 16th-heavy bassline is another nod to the dancefloor. Likewise the rework of Astral Projection’s People Can Fly is included here, a little incongruous perhaps but that cheeky dropout followed by plenty of characteristic Alien nonsense is making for a sure-fire hit at this summer’s festivals. Artificial Beings is another departure from the Alien sound, much more subtle and heavily-delayed. The way the sounds are pitched up against each other, and the way it all hangs in nicely, is a little like Blue Planet Corp, and the movement through the tune allows Alien to make it his own. Closing tune DJ Where Are You? is nicely-set morning stuff, with emotive pads over an energetic kick that sets the album down nicely. The production throughout is superb, having a deep and organic feel in contrast to a more robust, mechanical feel. This is good shit my friends, maybe a little low on surprises but sure to keep a smile on your face all summer long.

More info: www.alien-project.com , www.tipworld.co.uk