Juno Reactor's 2004 release LABYRINTH infuses trance with heavy-hitting rock, African tribal rhythms, and hints of modern Japanese music (given the inclusion of a taiko drummer). Further, because this recording mixes electronic and acoustic instruments together, a unique musical tableau is created.
LABYRINTH cannot be strictly defined as either techno or dance music. The blending of ethnic percussion with dense, industrial loops and ominous singing casts this album in a unique light. For example, the writhing "Conquistador II" merges together computer-generated rhythms with various highly produced percussion effects and a ghostly vocal performance from Taz Alexander. There is great song variety on this disc too. Hard-edged rockers "Wardogs" and "Giant" are offset by the dreaminess of "Mutant Message" and "Angels and Men." On the latter, Susan Hendricks's wistful voice adds an air of mystery and gloom to the proceedings. In general, her singing invokes a dark, gothic mood on several of these tracks. This is best evidenced on "Conquistador I." Here, Hendricks's plaintive melody borrows from renaissance music: perhaps 16th-century Spanish plainsong (as suggested by the composition's title).
Audio Mixers: Greg Hunter; Adam Wren.
Editor: Zigmond Gron.
Juno Reactor: Susan Hendricks (vocals); Scarlet (guitar); Risenga Makondo (percussion); Eduardo Niebla, Taz Alexander, Gocoo, Greg Ellis , Greg Hunter, Mabi Thobejane, Mike Fisher , Nick Burton, Simpiwe Matole, Victor Indrizzo, Ben Watkins, Calina de la Mare.
Personnel: Mabi Thobejane (vocals, percussion); Deepak Ram, Diane Charlemagne, Taz Alexander, Lakshmi Shankar, Azam Ali (vocals); Eduardo Niebla (guitar); Calina de la Mare (violin); Tigram (ney); Greg Hunter, Youth (bass guitar); Greg Ellis (drums, percussion); Budgie , Victor Indrizzo (drums); Gocoo (taiko); Risenga Makondo, Mike Fisher , Nick Burton, Simpiwe Matole (percussion); Xavier Morel (sound effects).
What's Next?! After 2000's "Shango", one could say that Juno Reactor have reached their peak... 4 (long) years later Ben Watkins and Co have created yet another aural masterpiece. Following their very successfull participation in the Matrix series Soundtrack, Juno Reactor produced one of their finest albums so far, merging music genres that till now were presumed "incompatible". Melodic Flamenco guitars combined with PsyTrance elements, Tribal grooves, Divine vocals and Orchestral parts all joined together harmoniously. Conquistador (parts I and II) gives the listener a first glimpse of what is yet to come... Starts off Melodically with an enchanting Flamenco guitar riff (part I) and climaxes into an epic "dancefloor Megahit" (part II) that can even move the dead! Next comes "Giant" a fierce, Rock-influenced track with some hard-ass drums and Diane Charlemagne's Massive voice! "War Dogs" (featuring Budgie from the Creatures on Drums) is also Rock-oriented. The next song, "Mona Lisa Overdrive" comes from the "Matrix Reloaded" Soundtrack but it is remixed to suit the album's needs. "Zwara" is another masterpiece of this album and this version is different from the one in the Single. Next is "Mutant Message" which can give the listener the impression that he is inside an Ambient-Industrial dream. "Angels and Men" is perhaps the most intense of all the tracks in the album. Haunted guitars, Angelic voices and a very gloomy touch to it.... The album closes with another epic, "Navras" which is a remixed version of the track featured in the end titles of "Matrix Revolutions". So after a pioneering album like "Labyrinth" the standards are raised once again and the only thing left is to see what's next from this inspirational band! Thank you Ben Watkins and Co!!! Submitted by X-Angel (Athens, Greece) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Different than before, though as Good as Always You won't find here much of the heavy Jungle Trance as in 'Bible Of Dreams', though you won't find here the the Jungle of 'Shangou'. If you like their single 'PISTOLERO' You will love this CD. More of real Drum & Bass with old Sampling you might find from the old cd's. Over All, one big enjoyment from start to end. Submitted by rt.superstar (Israel) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Fantastico Questo disco è bellissimo....... Submitted by Daniele (Italia;Ravenna) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Labyrinth in your mind One of the worst albums ever released by Juno Reactor. It is so bad that the record label decided not to release any remixes nor singles. Only two tracks were good and the both of them are the variation from original production from Matrix Soundtrack. Dont waste your money on this cd. Dilate your mind versus pondering in Labyrinth. Submitted by NewYorkCityBoy (where 7th ave meets Broadway, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
No one even gets close to Ben Watkins. As good as always, although I miss the old albums' style. This one sounds great, especially the 'Conquistador 2' with its African tribal sound, 'Zwara' and the industrial track 'Mutant message'.
I hope it won't take another 4 years till Ben Watkins & Co will make us excited again. Submitted by evfisher (Israel) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
What's Next?!
Labyrinth in your mind
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