In a way, ri enters a new phase with the release of Silver Sound 60. Listening to this, one immediately recognizes some new influences and stylistic experiments. The feel of jazz (whatever that means these days) and the cocktail lounge are more readily heard in the increasingly complex sequences found in many of the songs. And where complexity isn't really an issue, a more natural and casual freestyle-slanted approach can be heard. Silver Sound is a fun disc. Movie samples, muted and funkified shouts, and general unpredictable mayhem is all sprinkled throughout the length of the album for your Listening Enjoyment. Don't take anything too seriously, the music seems to suggest.

One significant point that deserves mention is that this album includes a couple tracks that you might consider drum+bass. For instance, we can find breakbeat techniques like the invisible yet tactile bass vibrations and spastic percussion, but that is only part of the story. Neither of these tracks sample in D'n'B patterns from other sources, meaning you won't hear the all too familiar "amen break" derivatives that seem to be just about everywhere these days ("the kidz love it..."). Nay, everything here is unique and specially programmed by Uwe himself. Let's dig in, track by track, and see what else we can find....

1. Congo - Definitely starts the party off with a bang. Or should I say a clap? Introducing the Superclap (for want of a better term). You've never heard anything like it. It's bristley, crisp and clean and will most likely make you blink if you're jamming it on your headphones. It has shown itself on other releases, sure, but I believe this is where it first appears. Rolling snares, ride cymbals, open and closed hats, some bass, and an organic horn sample all showing off their stuff. Along with these more junglized elements are some ivory-ticklings courtesy of the elusive and exotic Lisa Carbon as well as a host of other manipulated drum bytes and gadgetry. The piano chords every now and then keep the melody on track. The timing stalls and drum fills are perfect. A synthe horn solo coalesces with the "real thing." Atom Heart here explores the individual behaviors of instruments performing together as a band.

2. Jazz - Why is it called jazz? Well, that's a trick question. This quirked little number is based around a repeating plucked string sound and every now and then a *really* weird voice says the word "jazz." A simpler tune, relatively speaking, and that's the beauty of it.

3. False Memories - Atom Heart here demonstrates quite the ample Drummin' Bass skillz sufficient for a spaced-out yet groovy blend. Full of lateral panning of both melodies and their consequent effect layers and alters the local soundfield layout. Contains a downright superb and uplifting melody throughout and can be played again and again. An appropriate applause acts as an outro.

4. 50 Way Amphenol - Just for background, Amphenol is a company predominantly involved with making various connectors and cables for electronic equipment. A lumbering bass and some cymbals come together in an odd configuration. Things are more harsh or mildly distorted. Just after you realize something fishy about the track, a funny thing happens: the track fizzles out prematurely at around 3 minutes and you are left with only the repeating 808-cowbell riff that morphs into the emerging beatlessness. The background surfaces hang out for a few.

5. My Mac Can Sing - A folding and warped bass sequence gets the track going right away. And his mac really does sing. Enchanting electronic vocal chords resonate while subtly changing filters mimic lip and mouth positions. Its fluid movements induce a kind of dazey mind set.

6. Digital Fields Forever -
   

   
        Know one thing of frequency
   
        I mean it must be high or loooow
   
        This toon you know isn't breaks but it's
   
        allllllright
   
        That is I know it ain't 4/4
   
        Headphone lay you down 'cuz you're going to
   
        Digital Fields....
   
   

7. Past Life - More starry synthe solos combined with some ever-changing percussion arrangements. Different. Electro-crickets finish the piece out.

8. Neuro Traffic - A bulging distorted drum set fluctuates various computer waves and bloops. File this one along with Cyberjam or Chrome Yellow for the sterile, disruptive contour it adds to the album.

9. Zillefunk - A rainbow melody fills the acid house vibe. Just who is this Zille anyway? And is he or she a good cook?? No matter, there's a 303 in the works here. Super phunky and the 303 will rip you a new ear before it's through.

10. The Combo Played My Favourite Tunes... - Mayhem I tell ya...

11. Silver Sound - Some warm up sounds, a voice speaks "Silver Sound" and the song begins. This song is a slower one, but remains quite active. Optimistic feel overall, and it's full of all kinds of weird noises and heavy beats. For months and months I thought that voice was saying "Shields are down." Go ahead and laugh. Still, I love it!