Parallel Universe - 4hero
2 Reinforced Records Classics finally get a digital release. 'Parallel Universe' and 'Jacobs Optical Stairway'.
Released through most online stores, also look out for other Reinforced titles and check out the Reinforced hijack of the iTunes D&B section...
4hero - Parallel Universe
Parallel Universe, was considered by many to be the first album to showcase the full potential of drum 'n' bass music. Its themes included science-fiction television programmes and science fact (with references to author Stephen Hawking). On this record, 4hero sound like kids raised on astrology and mysticism who one day stumbled upon jungle.
Parallel Universe was the album that showed what jungle was capable of in the full-length medium. While the U.K. charts were caught up in ragga jungle mania, Dego and Marc Mac wedded their unsurpassed, futuristic break beats. 4hero and the sound of Parallel Universe pre-figured electronica's obsession with "intelligent" jungle during 1995-1996. The duo dip into RB/house territory with a few vocals, which somewhat subverts the innovative feel of a drum'n'bass classic.
It's no small wonder how natural their craft seems to come to them. Placed sonically between their early hardcore 12" single ("Mr. Kirk's
Nightmare") and their later fusion bombs (Play With The Changes, the latest album), Parallel Universe seamlessly blends toughness and loveliness for an
equally head-nodding and soul-searching musical trip..
Parallel Universe winks at jazz without ever stating it explicitly. In a way, Parallel Universe serves to remind us of a purer time for drum 'n bass,
before the jazz-fusion monster even became a valid issue, before the 'harder faster' kids got hold of it. In a perfect world--nay, universe--where the
stars are aligned and the nights are always crisp and sweet, Parallel Universe would be the single best drum 'n bass album ever to see the light of
day.
Review extracts from 'The history of rock', 'all music guide' and Mike Newmark.
Parallel Universe - 4hero
Jacobs Optical Stairway
