Reviewed by Manja Visser

Before you start reading this, think about experimental tribal club music. Like it? Okay, if you do, you will be lyrical about the new album from Hydro, 'Aborigination'. This studio project is produced by Robbie Bronnimann and Ray Goudie and includes collaborations of deejays Kenny Mitchell and Andy Hunter, Shaz Sparks (dba) and Steve Apirana. With featuring tribal tunes on the first track "Aborigination" along with Apirana's Maori shouts the album gets a grip on you right from the beginning. Also, this first cut gives you a feeling of the atmosphere on the album. Having discovered a common thread that links all tribes and lands as they worship the One, Hydro take you on a rhythmic excursion that spans the globe. All the tracks are outstanding! Let me highlight some of my favourites. "Celtech" takes you back into Medieval times, featuring Celtic monks together with a banging techno beat. "Push" gives you some "in yer face' lyrics: "1 push the rhythm and touch tha' Healer." Brilliant! The easy listening mix of "Serengeti Storm" is not easy listening at all; the stirring jungle beat makes you want to move. My favourite track is "Crystal Throneroom". It features Shaz' vocals, combined with a drum 'n bass sound. Words fail here, all I can say is that this song is beautiful. Anyway, all the tracks mentioned above are just a few of 12 brilliant tracks, including the 12" remixes of "Birth" and "Rawar". I nominate 'Aborigination' to be the dance album of the year!

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