Reviewed by Andy Cooper

This is a value-for-money collection of four CDs produced by Eric Nordhoff and Paul Buono previously released in USA, but now packaged together for the UK market by ICC Records. The first disc has the title 'Club Revival', but actually sounds so last decade that it hurts. The synth sounds and rhythms would have sounded cheesy even 10 years ago. Acts such as dBA and Scott Blackwell did it so much better during the '90s that you'd be better off finding their original releases. The next CD is called 'Hymnotica' and is much better, with stronger vocals and more authentic sounding grooves. It's reminiscent of Hypersonic's 1995 release 'Hymns In The House', though is generally more laid back here. Drea Rhenee's vocals on "It Is Well" and "Blessed Assurance" are particularly worthy of note. And "Be Thou My Vision" has a tasty classical guitar solo and spacey synth pads to keep the sublime vocals of Carrie Marshall floating high. 'Technodelic' is next, and is the chill out CD of the collection. There's a bit of Pet Shop Boys in the male vocals at times, and even a bit of Roxette. The CD is relaxed but with an upbeat and optimistic feel: listening to "Sunshine" as you get up, with its happy-go-lucky riffs and bouncy beats, will make sure your day starts with a smile. 'Tranceformation' is the final disc, and contains the more serious club tunes. It has stronger beats and more mature programming of riffs and synth patterns, but is still 10 years too late to be interesting. The likes of Preacha, Hydro, N-Soul and the Myx Records crew were doing it so much better throughout the last decade.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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