Between this release's "Masterblaster" and "Cool Harbour" (from 2002's Kompassion 12"),
the Orb haven't merely demonstrated a love for shuffle-tech -- they've also created two of the sub-sub-subgenre's finest moments. Though it's not quite the beast that "Cool Harbour" is, "Masterblaster" is almost as powerful and crisp, with the sharpness of the sawtooth buzzline cushioned somewhat by a heavily washed-out chorus of voices. (You might want to alert your uncle or grandfather that the KLF's Jimi Cauty assists.)
M. Mayer's chugging "X" is easily the sleeker of the two, filled out with twinkly/spangly effects that give it a strong resemblance to Joris Vermeiren's "Atomium" (as heard on
Ricardo Villalobos' Taka Taka mix). This gets Kompakt off to a fine start as it enters a seventh year. ~ Andy Kellman