Issue 499

Hybrid Disappear Here Distinctive Recordings/Inertia Hybrid are back, and this time the duo of Mike Truman and Chris Healings are joined by vocalist Charlotte James in their new album, and it seems that they have turned up a much more rockier edge with their sound, but have still maintained their ability to cover a broad musical spectrum, and highlight their tremendous production prowess. It's immediately apparent in the album's opening track Empire that Hybrid has infused a rock sound in this release: heavy loaded guitars and crisp drums. Coupled with their unmatched atmospherics and electronica, the result is somewhat comparative to acts like Crystal Method, Apollo 440, and even perhaps The Prodigy. But what separates Hybrid from these acts is their ability to deliver absolute gems throughout a broad musical spectrum. The hypnotic downtempo electronica of Green Shell Suit; the saccharine electronic folk of Every Word that is perfect with James' delicate, almost morose vocals; the dark and moody Break My Soul, and the surreal album closer of Numb all show Hybrid's ability to create a whole gamut of atmospherics with their music. For those who are fans of Hybrid's driving breakbeat, don't worry, because there are plenty of those in the album as well. Formula Of Fear is a punchy track that can have you bumping along with it in the car or the dance floor; the driving drums and warbling basslines of Original Sin is perfect for that late night/early morning adrenalin rush; and Take A Fall will, pure and simply, massacre the dance floor. Four years since their last artist album, and Hybrid seems to have not lost any of that Midas touch. Adopting an edgier sound, and welcoming a vocalist into the mix hasn't disrupted their momentum, instead it further confirms that nothing is beyond the realm of Hybrid and our ears will be forever grateful for it. Leo Varona