Reissues like this make me feel old. Is it really 15 years since ‘Northern Star’? 15 years of that trombone solo in ‘At The River’? Actually, when you put it like that it probably is, as that tune alone has been heard so many times on holiday programmes it is now part of the framework. But that’s not really Groove Armada’s fault, and it’s actually one of the few times on this album where they pull back a bit. Elsewhere we have a good blend of funky mischief making, with a nice subtle sense of humour that goes well with the Balearic tinge of the house music Groove Armada make. There is a fair bit of zip to the beats of ‘Pressure Breakdown’ for instance, while ‘Dr Eiff’ and ‘Dan Solo’ are both good quicker numbers. The Bs are good as well – the bonus material on CD2 being well worthy of consideration if you haven’t got it already. ’80 Something’ and ‘Choc Chip’ are the most immediate, working their chunky synth funk to good effect. With a nice blend of nostalgia and carefree house, this is an album not yet ready to show its full age.
4 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
