A Guy Called Gerald - Essence

A Guy Called Gerald
Essence
STUDIO K7 K7088CD

Just when you thought it was safe to believe in the end of drum'n'bass.

This is the first record from Manchester-born Gerald Simpson - aka A Guy Called Gerald - since 1995's stunning Black Secret Technology. Despite the fact it was Goldie who made the headlines that year, for a while it was a close run thing as to which of the two would make the most impact with their groundbreaking drum'n'bass. In the end Goldie's larger-than-life personality won out and Simpson disappeared from view. Five years in the making, this new album finds him picking up where he left off, trying to push the now stagnant drum'n'bass scene on with an LP of sleek, sophisticated and teasingly soulful tunes. Eerily introverted one moment, warm and open the next, Essence demands concentration but makes for an intriguing, rewarding experience.

***

David Roberts