Hybrid - Morning Sci-Fi

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  • Hybrid have now been on the scene for 10 years and their sound is still as fresh as it was those years ago. That is a true sign of a very good thing with Mike Truman and Chris Healings, the duo who continue to impress worldwide with their unique blends of atmospheric elements and upbeat broken beats. Their debut album, ‘Wide Angle’ has gone on to sell in excess of 100,000 copies worldwide, and their supporting act of Moby’s tour recently was nothing short of brilliant, often outperforming the short American artist. Morning Sci-Fi is their latest LP, and it features collaborations with Peter Hook, The Hermitage String Orchestra, Kirsty Hawkshaw (of ‘Fine Day’ fame) and John Creamer. Part recorded in Russia and Wales, this album definitely has its moments. ‘This Is What It Means’ is on eof those finely assembled moments consisting of smooth effects and muffled vocal samples. ‘True To Form’ follows, and is an early highlight with the delicate vocals of Adam Taylor, beautiful riffs of Peter Hook and the trademark Hybrid atmospheric elements. The tough beats of ‘Know Your Enemy’ follows, a production that finds a great balance with the nice uplifting riffs and dark dubby beats. The next production, ‘Marraakech’, showcases a nice instrumental and downbeat side of Hybrid, a production that gives the album a smooth aura in its early stages. ‘I’m Still Awake’ is another slow paced vocal number while the very upbeat ‘Visible Noise’ boost the tempo of the album with stabbing retro sounds and deep baseline grooves. ‘We Are in Control’ is another solid highlight of the album using a nice melody and good solid beats, while the talents of Peter Hook as well as The Hermitage String Orchestra are put to the test in ‘Higher Than a Skyscraper’, a production which is arguably the finest on the album. It’s a journey of beautiful orchestral elements, fused with a deep base rumbles and a progressive edge. The vocal delights of Taylor smother the album yet again with ‘Steal You Away’ while ‘Gravastar’ brings Hybrid into the dance floor territory with an eerie production that is sure to delight. ‘Out of the Dark’ does the opposite, by taking the album into a deep and dark corner, which is then followed by the ironically titled ‘Blackout’ which contradicts the track before, and concludes the album with a very uplifting vocal delight by Kirsty Hawkshaw, accompanied with the emotive delights of the Hermitage Orchestra. Fans of Hybrid will no doubt be pleased with this album, and those who may not be aware of Hybrid will surely lap this quality LP up as well. It displays depth which is essential for a good album to shine, and ranges from dark pounding moments to epic delights. It has the down beat aura and dance floor edge all in one album, and is sure to please all in the process.
RA