&me At Juno Download

Review: Nic Fanciulli's label documents the dark, deranged side of tool house on Matters & Ashes. Tougher and denser than the standard DJ fare, the impenetrable groove of "Matters" provides the backdrop for a chemically refreshed male vocal, rambling on in a way that makes Marshall Jefferson's performance on "Mushrooms" seem positively normal. However, it's "Ashes" that really impresses: once again, &Me deploys a rolling, drummy backing track and intersperses the arrangement with subtle breakdowns. But it's the combination of another tripped out male vocal - where do they find them? - and a purring Resse bass that makes "Ashes" so irresistible.

Review: Despite its title, "Rain" has nothing to do with the diminuitive prince of pop's song, but this release on Keinemusik still has a high funk quota. The title track also has a breathy falsetto, which &Me has fused with a detuned bass and a clattering, drum-heavy rhythm. The whole thing comes to a head thanks to the use of a building filter, and a similar approach prevails on "Glaced". There, the beats are more tribal and the drums come to a thrilling climax as they ride an insistent filter - no doubt something that Prince himself would be happy with.