Mind Of Blu

There couldn't be a more productive and prolific time for drum n' bass in Ireland right now with a new release, act or DJ cutting the mustard on a seemingly weekly basis.

If Bass Odyssey have perfected the art of combining Massive Attack moodiness with ice cool beats, then Blu charter the territory which LTJ Bukem and the Good Looking Records stable have brought to the mainstream.

This is simultaneously the strength and weakness of Mind Of Blu. While constituting some very pleasant listening, especially on 'Groove' and 'Blood', it never hits upon the magic which makes a truly great record. This is one of the problems of the genre as a whole – it’s more about painting moods than experimenting with beats and breaks. And for all its free-flowing form, it can come across as slightly formulaic.

However, Blu must be commended for producing a solid and consistent album. In my mind drum n' bass can be broken down as 85% shite, 10% OK and 5% brilliant. Mind Of Blu is near the top of the OK spectrum and is nudging its way towards greatness.

Here's hoping.