As its title suggests, ‘Up’ is an overwhelmingly positive album, inspired by the happiness of club crowds in Berlin. It brings into focus just how consistent System 7 have been over the years, the partners Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy managing to give their fans exactly what they enjoy. This record is no exception, and while it might not be anything especially new musically, it is extremely well written and gets the dancing muscles moving right away. Cool washes of sound usher in ‘Positive Noise’, but the pair are not afraid to pump a few more guitars into the mix this time around, bringing a touch of Gong into the equation. The album runs like a DJ set, with one track segueing easily into the next, and the bass bins are well catered for in tracks like ‘Berimbau’ and ‘The Mind Boggles’. Proof that the pair are still relevant, and still have much to offer.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
