Underground Resistance US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: This reissue of Underground Resistance's seminal Nation 2 Nation LP is a significant moment; the group's messages of liberation and resistance feel as relevant as ever, not least given the reivisionist concept behind this EP. Perhaps, though, we should resist chinstroking too much; for the original liner notes of this seminal release criticize the over-intellectualization of characteristically African American art forms such as house, hip-hop, jungle and jazz. Even so, this 1991 classic stands as tall as ever, with sax contributions from Lenny Price helping to explore exactly what jazz would sound like if it had originated with the analogue gear that was available to UR's members, decades later.

Review: First released back in 2007, UR's 'Hi Tech Dreams' is widely regarded as one of 'Mad' Mike Banks' most perfectly formed EPs - in part because its blend of optimistic techno futurism with dancefloor darkness offers a neat summary of the 'dreaming of utopia, living in a dystopia' message at the heart of Underground Resistance's militant ethos. But analysis aside, it's simply a terrific record - as this timely reissue proves. A-side 'Hi Tech Dreams' lives up to its promise, with far-sighted melodies, tactile riffs and soulful vocal samples rising above a loose-limbed Motor City techno beat. In contrast, 'Lo Tech Reality' is a moodier and more melancholic chunk of breakbeat-driven techno, while 'Hold My Own' is a murky, hip-hop influenced downtempo head-nodder.