Originally released on Britain's Blue Juice late in 2001,
DJ Spooky's "Catechism" single re-appeared in America on Synchronic a little less than a year later, padded out with an assortment of vocal, instrumental, and a cappella remixes. The single itself, an oppressive beat symphony, matches the menace of guest rapper
Killah Priest (of
Wu-Tang fame), only turning up the dial on the paranoia as the track progresses. And the remixes aren't just reversions but practically new tracks, with fresh raps on most every one:
Part 2's horn-heavy, beat-precise version, scratchmaster Deckwrecka's ragga post-production (featuring
MCD and 2Ice), and the version by Mex (Black Grass) (aka Clockwork Voodoo Freaks). A refreshing turn away from
Spooky's illbient and jazz projects of 2002. (Note: Skip past the instrumental versions and you'll find the last track, a nice tech drum'n'bass remix.) ~ John Bush