Reviewed by Dave Drodge

Way back in 1992, not long after Christian dance label Myx Records was launched by a certain Scott Blackwell, an album from pioneering rave team Jyradelix was released. A collaboration of the Psycho-Lizards (!) and dance/metal crossover group Mortal, Jyradelix thrilled with its uncompromising musical style and message. Half of what was the Psycho-Lizards, Johann Fontamillas and Wilson Peralta, later became the Mindbenders and now appear with their first full project, a high octane ambient techno album. Comparisons are easy to make with the recent N-Soul release from Virus. In fact, someone from N-Soul has described Mindbender as "Virus, only 10 steps on", which is a good description I feel. The production is much better and the songs are a bit more coherent. Analogies end there though. This is a very stylised album, meaning that a wide range of feelings and thoughts are covered even though there are only eight tracks (plus two remixes). Highlights for me include the hardcore-influenced "I Believe" and the chilled-out "Daybreak" but the best has to be the wonderful "Resist", which is based around the phrase "I'm afraid I'll succumb to it" and surprises in musical creativity. A great song, not to mention album, for alternative worshippers and dance buffs to explore.

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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