Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
(Laboratory Instinct)

Gerald Simpson aka A Guy Called Gerald has been at the front of the game when it comes to innovative music. Ever since the early days of rave, his 'Hot Lemonade' album and his collaborations with 808 State on 'Newbuild' have pushed major buttons. The 'Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2' EP is special indeed, with the first track taking a minimal stand but packing the soundscape full to bursting. There's a jungle feel to the atmosphere and this fits well with the reverberated bongos, which have EQ'd to absolute perfection.

(M7/M8)

[Reviewer: Mark EG]

A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct

It sounds like Gerald has got the minimal inclined sound of his first 'Proto Acid Sessions' out of his system. This time around, he focuses his efforts on live drums, shuffling rhythms and even some ethnic chants, but he sounds most impressive when striking a balance between deep house keys and plunging acid lines.

(4 stars out of 5)

[Reviewer unknown]

A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct (Ger), LI012

A Guy Called Gerald's 'Proto Acid Berlin Sessions' live mix, released last summer, was just awesome and is still getting caned in my car: here we have the accompanying vinyl EP, with two blissfully composed soulful techno tracks to lose yourself to. The A-side is the strongest cut - haunting and tribal. It sounds like a native's hunting call from the jungle. It's long and meanders in an extremely hypnotic fashion.

(3 stars out of 5)

[Reviewer: Kai 1]

A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid The Berlin Sessions 2 Sampler
Laboratory Instinct

Ever since the early 90's, many DJ's and producers have been of major importance to the acid scene, but how many of them survived? Among few others, A Guy Called Gerald did and proved to be a solid factor in the acid community. For almost two decades now, A Guy Called Gerald can be considered one of the pioneers in the genre, with a fanbase stretching from here to the moon and back. These days, he resides in Berlin where he recently launched two brand new labels, Sugio and Protechshon, while having worked on the follow-up of last year's critically acclaimed Proto Acid The Berlin Sessions 1. The two tracks on this sampler should give an impression of Gerald's new output. Here we go...

The first track, Voltar (Bring Da Rain Mix) is a perfect example of A Guy....'s sound: acid mixed with beautiful detroit techno. Easy beats and lots of violins and loungey keys take us into Gerald's world of sound, after which slightly bongo's take control. The wonderful, almost classical vibe that Gerald presents is maintained though, with subtle placed elements resulting in a magnificent piece of work. Later on, the track seems to speed up as well as introducing minimal techno sounds to the sequence, which is quite an unexpected yet very cool trick. Soon enough though, the track seems to redeem itself into that warm, almost loungey 'detroit techno meets acid'-vibe. Unbelievably well produced. Top marks for this one.

"...it can only be described as simply breath-taking."

Second one on the sampler is Sweet You. Starting off with an off-beat kick and lots of shakers, this one even further explores the border between acid and techno. Although off-beat, the rhythm is highly dancable and incredibly funky. The track comes with many breaks, and even more instruments and effects, but this is done in such a subtle and prolific way that it can only be described as simply breath-taking. This is not only a perfect track to dance to; it's also a perfect track to listen to at home as well. You'll discover a different musical journey every time.

The new tracks Gerald introduces on this sampler are close to perfection. Too bad the sampler came with only two tracks: It should have come with at least five. Or ten. Or including the final version. Fact is, definitely when you're into acid, that this is likely going to be a release you cannot afford to miss. It's warm, it's deep, it's divine and you want it. Bad.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.0

[Reviewer: Youri Jozee (NL) (2007-07-19)]

A Guy Called Gerald
Proto Acid Berlin Sessions 2
Laboratory Instinct

A Guy Called Gerald fans will be delighted to hear that, having already turned heads with last year's Proto Acid The Berlin Sessions, Gerald Simpson will soon issue a second instalment. This 12-inch appetizer from the acid house innovator provides a tasty foretaste of the full course to come, though the cuts themselves are radically different in character, one an exotic dance piece and the other a sleek Detroit-styled burner.

“Voltar” (Bring Da Rain mix) opens with a grooving tribal swing that places it at the center of a jungle. Though a high-pitched hooting call deepens the vibe, there's nothing primitive about Simpson's artful handling of the material, especially when handclaps and an insistent bass-and-drum rumble give the cut a modern, club-house sheen. The twelve-minute “Sweet You” shows Simpson's inimitable talent for crafting deep Motor City grooves, even if its 'Petticoat Junction' drum brushes intro makes it feel like it's originating from Hooterville. Silken synth chords provide night-time ambiance as piano lines dance brightly atop percolating drums and bass lines. A particularly sweet moment occurs halfway through when the tune pauses to catch its breath, and then snaps to attention with the punchy drum pattern leading the charge. Interestingly, the tribal feel of “Voltar” re-emerges once again though now transported into the center of the nocturnal cityscape.

June 2007

This review also appears in Grooves.

[Reviewer: unknown]