Krust - Hidden Knowledge (album)
Drum and bass may be the things that you associate with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney (well, Thomas The Tank Engine and ....we'll leave the McCartney references for the moment are what we currently associate with Starr and McCartney) but there's also another meaning for this term. An upbeat dance form with rythmic-like beats also goes by the name of drum and bass, and its made a slight commercial breakthrough in the late 90s London scene.
Apart from one or two hits it has still to cross over to the masses but one of the key players Krust has a new album out called 'Hidden Knowledge' and not only does it showcase the current sound of d'n'b but it contains a bonus disc of some of Krusts classic cuts.
Long time associate of Roni Size and collaborator on 'New Forms', the Mercury prize winning album and genere defining record, Krust's credentials bear no need for further examination and 'Hidden Knowledge' speaks for itself as well.
Following a pattern of in your face drum loops and patterns, the music and synths alongside it reverb and leave as many spaces as it fills. Its mood music suited to many levels and certain tracks would work well in clubs with others more suitable to home or relaxed listening. In compiling it all together, Krust has collated an almost mix-like feel to the record that could serve as an easy introduction to new listeners and curious music fans out there.
With only two tracks clocking in at less than 7 minutes long, there are no easy bits to dip in and out of but each track evolves in its own time and has a definitive sound. 'Belief System' revels in its jazz like piano stabs that pepper the early part of the track whereas 'How To Mutate' features more tribalistic drumming and electronic pulsing which reverberates around the listener. The female vocals add some focus and cohesion to the track and would be an easier track for new afficianados to latch onto.
Closing track 'New Humans' manages to elevate the pace and tempo to an even more frenetic pace and squelch in its intyro only to suddenly drop it right down to a light smattering. Needless to say Krust is only playing with you before he takes it right back up again, building the album to a close much the same way you would hope for a set to peak and climax. The track then ends as a conventional song, recalling a Pink Floyd outro as the backing vocals soar over the nagging rhythm and beats.
If you are already into your d 'n'b, then this album will be known to you and will have a home in your collection already. If you're on the p]outside looking in feeling a bit curious, get on inside and give this album a whirl. The jerky rythms and pulsing beats will have you rocking in no time.
Track Listing
01 - [CD1] Internal dialogue
02 - Belief system
03 - Choose conciousness
04 - How to mutate
05 - Human awareness
06 - Mystery school
07 - Initiation
08 - Rhodes less travelled
09 - New humans
10 - [CD2]Jazz note
11 - Guess
12 - Memories
13 - Maintain
14 - Last day
15 - Soul in motion
16 - Warhead
17 - Kloakin' device
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