Wax Magazine - Album Of The Month

A GUY CALLED GERALD
"Essence LP' (Studio K7)

It has been five years since Gerald Simpson first released the 'Black Secret Technology LP' on his own Juicebox imprint. In addition to critical acclaim at the time, a recent reissue held testament to how the album acted to rewrite many peoples perception of just what drum 'n' bass was and the sheer potential in terms of what it could be. An acrimonious split with his business partner at the Juicebox imprint and a subsequent relocation to New York further delayed the release of this follow up. However, 'Essence' proves a worthwhile wait, from the opening physics of 'Universe' to the closing seconds, the album is brimming with confidence. While Gerald's production continues to juxtapose drum 'n' bass programming with rough and ready instrumentation, the addition of vocals provides an extra dimension lacking in his previous work. Check 'Humanity' for a heart stopping performance from Lamb's Louise Rhodes, or Wendy Page who features heavily smouldering in 'Glow' and lends a schizophrenic energy, matched beat for beat by the production, within 'Landed'.
KM • 9