Customer Reviews

First Impressions

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

DJ Carol C. has put together a magical mix of what at least used to be called "atmospheric drum 'n' bass." This is the cool, jazzy, ethereal style of "jungle" that was popularized a few years ago by the likes of LTJ Bukem and Omni Trio (the latter, in fact, contributes two tracks to this mix). Recently, drum 'n' bass overall has moved in more experimental, often frenetic-sounding directions, so in some ways this style might be considered a bit out-of-date. For me, however, the relaxing, flowing, chillout vibe created by these tracks is music to my ears.

DJ Carol C. does a fine job of selecting, sequencing, and mixing the ten tracks that comprise "First Impressions." What astounds me, however, is the inexplicable brevity of the mix. In this age of a 70 to 75-minute standard for dj mix cd's, she has offered us exactly forty minutes and thirty-two seconds for our listening pleasure. Did she run out of material? This will not do. Next time, how about a full-length mix?

very dreamy, atmospheric drum n bass, but with a nice, steady beat to it

thank god for women dj's in jungle, they bring an entirely new sensibility to the genre

this album will be on heavy rotation on my discman for a while

This CD is among the best chillout/trance music that I have. Wonderful stuff to sip a cup of coffee to and relax. Very moody, goes in lots of colorful places yet isn't too intrusive. I highly recommend it!

Alright, I'm a trance/house/techno fan by preference, and can easily count on one had the quantity of drum and bass albums owned. Those that do lean towards the downtempo/ambient end of Big Bud and Bukem stylings, and now "First Impressions," a mix of classic drum and bass chill out tracks (says the cover).

I'll leave more learned trainspotters to verify the claim, but there's little doubt that with selections like Zed's keyboard-sprinkled "Urban Jazz" and stuttered vocals of Technical Itch "Can't You See," that DJ Carol C delivers the relaxed state as advertised. Even better, thoughts of jazz doodles and instrumental outbursts are left in the box to avoid disruption ("Soul of Darkness" exempted). The resulting forty minutes of music plays like a rollercoaster without loops - a sleek thrill understandably without surprises, with an abrupt end to the ride. Still, well conceived and worth waiting in line. Grade: B

I got this album as part of Topaz Records' "The Ultimate Chill Collection." Though I'm a drum n' bass fan, I was, needless to say, a bit dubious about a drum n' bass album as part of a chillout collection. Within the first day of listening to it, it turned out to be my favorite album in the collection.

Track 1 has a bassline that makes for quite a groove. In typical Omni Trio fashion, it's supplemented quite well by subtle female vocals and some super lazy keyboard work. On tracks 4 and 8, the range of notes in the vocal samples is rather limited and can be slightly tedious. The drum work (and supplementing percussion) throughout is very driving and lacks little.
Overall, the album is a bit simple, but pleasantly mellow and consistent. It's an excellent album for driving, studying, hanging out, or any situation where you won't pay relentless attention and pick at the quality. Buy it, spin it, groove on it.