In A Space Outta Sound
Warp, 2006
rating: 3.5/5
reviewer: filmore mescalito holmes


I hate to say it because it's so cliché, but this really is something of a return to form for producer/DJ George Evelyn, more often referred to as Nightmares On Wax. It requires the qualifier "something of," in this case, because In A Space Outta Sound, at least in terms of production, is markedly improved over the often glossy Smoker's Delight and its somewhat dated prequel. His fifth album obviously circles back from the more peaceful electronic route laid out by Carboot Soul and taken to its fruition with his last noticeably synthetic record. Evelyn had said "I want to share my positivity in life, in music," and he did just that with Mind Elevation. Starting with the soulful seven-minute Air jam Space opener "Passion," it would appear NOW has considered that job done and gotten back to work on just making some truly sensual old-soul/hip-hop. Album highlight "The Sweetest" backs up this notion with some reggae flavour, accented throughout the track by a fat electro warp subbase. Having steadily released music since 1991, Outta Sound shows a passionate and maturing George Evelyn that still had much to offer. The album does, however, tend to drag in a couple spots. "African Pirates," despite the cleanly recorded djembe drumming, ends the album on a pretty dull note. The vocal effects make the repeated chants in that track rather annoying. Still, the record does start off quite well, so I'm sure the usual NOW fans will gladly welcome this CD.

1. Passion
2. The Sweetest
3. Flip Ya
4. Pudpots
5. Damn
6. You Wish
7. Deep Down
8. Deep Down
9. Me
10. I Am You
11. Soul Purpose
12. African Pirates