From the depths of Babylon through the valleys of hip hop to the Asian underground, The Bird have created an album (their second full length offering) which is certainly worthy of praise. The Australian electronic duo which pride themselves on their live performances have proven that 'computer music' can actually be creative and... well, good.

'Audible Inventions' contains plenty of drum 'n' bass break beats to get the lower limbs moving as well as laid back dub vibes (Papa Dubs, Dub Therapy - you get the general idea...). Although there is plenty of sampling, this album has a fairly minimalist feel that's all the better to soothe you with. After a slow start, Fish In Space brings Ben Walsh's drumming skills to the forefront before they are once again immersed into the electro synth lines provided by Simon Durrington. One thing many hip hop and sampling CDs have in common these days are retro speaking samples which at first are kitsch, if not catchy, but after a few listens just get in the way of the song. The Bird, thankfully, pull up just short of overdoing it but Dubim pushes them towards the tolerable threshold before Special Island downs the tempo and all ill feelings are forgotten.

With help from the Resin Dogs' turntablist Dave Atkins, The Bird have produced a coalescence of hip hop and deep dub electro that fans of everything from 'Blue States' to the instrumental workings of The Herd should be proud to add to their collection. It may not be everyone's cup of herbal tea, but 'Audio Inventions' offers organic electro beats that are worthy of commendation.

Cassie Hilditch

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