GODSEND REVIEWS : U

U2-Pop CD-Assimilating electronic dance music into their sound, U2 retain their trademark rock sound with a good ear for atmosphere and subtlety. (Island)

various-Ultra Lounge volumes 1 & 2 CDs-Promo samplers of Capitols 12 volume (!) collection/ vault raid/cash-in collections of, yes, lounge/exotica/ coctail/ bachelor pad/ incredibly strange musics. Includes such names as Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Yma Sumac, Wayne Newton, Dean Martin, and loads more. (Capitol)

Ultraviolence-Psycho-Drama CD-Like a jolt of hot coffee comes Johnny Violents latest hardcore techno/gabba concept album, with dynamic and variety in his ultra-hi-BPM attacks.(Earache)

Ultraviolence-"Superpower" CD- From its inception back in the early 90s, Johnny Violent's ULTRAVIOLENCE has attempted to combine hardcore gabba with loftier conceptual themes--something unheard of with the usually faceless gabba scene. 'Superpower' continues this tradition, employing some fairly hard techno beats and sequences with cyber-themed samples and even (gasp) some really mainstream-sounding female vocals in spots. Now, the music is still fairly elementary, and, as with past works, listeners shouldn't expect much in the realm of experimental sound manipulation--just a pretty traditional techno format, unfortunately bringing in far too many of the genre's stereotypes. Call it rave music with a bad attitude, maybe. I think this whole sound is rather dated and could use some refreshment. Maybe next time. (Rootdown/Earache)

various-Undercurrent-PDX CD-A strong selection of mostly obscure Portland,OR-area based electronic hardbeat artists. Best tracks are turned in by AREA 88, THINE EYES, and VIOLET ARCANA, but nothing here truly fails. Good production and packaging too. Fine work. (Doppler Effect)

Under The Noise-Regeneration CD-A remix album from this Baltimore electro-rock duo, including treatments by SWAMP TERRORISTS, HATE DEPT, PYGMY CHILDREN, ACUMEN, PAIN EMISSION, and more. Solid electro-beats, some guitarwork (but not in a metallic rock context), and diverse vocals. Possibly the best band on COPs growing roster. (COP)

Various Artists - "Underworld: Music From The Motion Picture" CD - Boasting some very high-profile names and collaborations, this soundtrack provides some solid modern rock sounds thanks to the edgy electronic soundscapes of curator Danny Lohner (of NIN fame), who appears on 13 of this disc's 19 cuts. Getting most of the attention are the tracks featuring Maynard of TOOL (PUSCIFER's dark-trip-hop-inflected 'Rev 22:20', and 2 remixed songs from A PERFECT CIRCLE). APC's great 'Judith' is here in it's Lohner-remixed form, although the radio-friendly version here remains a great disappointment. Also of prime interest is the new track by SKINNY PUPPY, which is but a small taster of the band's first new material in 8+ years. Furthering the 'all-star' songlist is a new cut by DAVID BOWIE, which features Maynard of TOOL again, as well as John Frusciante (of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), among others. DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's screaming track is an unwelcome ear-opener, but standouts from folks like LISA GERMANO and JOHNETTE NAPOLITANO more than make up for it. A strong selection of modern rock sounds with a dark vibe. (Lakeshore)

Unit:187-Unit:187 CD-This new Vancouver trio pumps out decent electro/crossover/metal with all the usual distortions, riffage, and beats. The TENSOR remix of Crackhead is especially potent, marrying the groups guitars with a slamming groove.(21st Circuitry)

Various - "United: The Sound Of The Underground" 2xCD - A fun and far-ranging budget sampler of Invisible/Underground Inc. (and their related labels) works, including substantial amounts of cuts from the familiar (THRILL KILL KULT, PIGFACE, OHGR, DAMAGE MANUAL, HATE DEPT, ACUMEN NATION, CHRIS CONNELLY) to the unfamiliar (standouts include OPIUM JUKEBOX's spliffed-out bhangra cover of 'Iron Man', KARMA SUTRA's gorgeous 'Bhagwan', LOLO's elegant 'Without Me', IMBUE's 'Taste of Heaven', and NOCTURNE's surprisingly effective and faithful cover of RENEGADE SOUNDWAVE's 'Cocaine Sex'). Overwhelmingly (and not surprising considering Invisible's past), the comp veers towards heavy industrial-edged rock and dance, while dabbling in experimental noise, techno/drum & bass, punk, and synthpop. Packed to the gills, 'United' showcases the overall quality and good taste behind the Underground Inc. label collective, and is a fantastic place to sample 34 solid and mostly-forward-thinking bands and artists who are, as the slogan goes, 'working together to tear things apart'. Cool. (Invisible/Underground Inc.)

The Unquiet Void - "Between The Twilights" CD - Jason Wallach's second CD of dark, cinematic electronic soundtracks is a further step for this composer who has been recording for some years. 'Twilights' is a ghostly (even sinister at times) journey based around a central theme of dream states, and the periods between waking consciousness and sleep. It's a fairly ambient work overall, with hallucinatory reverberations that approximate these blurry times when reality itself is called into question. Wallach's use of deep string movements even approaches a sort of classicism in spots, though TUQV's music is more in line with a conventional soundtrack in it's intensely visual splendour. 'Between The Twilights' is a shifting and enveloping disc of morphing moods and deep sonic textures, and a perfectly suitable accompaniment for tumultuous storms or lonely, candle-lit nights. (Middle Pillar)

The Unquiet Void - "Poisoned Dreams" CD - The third CD from this one-man project is a sort of homage to (and soundtrack for) the demonic tales of legendary horror author H.P. Lovecraft. Composer Jason Wallach uses dramatic strings, dirgey drum rhythms, and ominous, depth-charged synth textures to approximate dark worlds full of horror and sorrow. But rather than being just depressive or lachrymose, 'Poisoned Dreams' breathes with a sigh of beauty and life amidst the bleak and otherworldly echoes and reverberations. Very strong work here and easily THE UNQUIET VOID's finest work to date. (Middle Pillar)

THE UNQUIET VOID-"Scorpio" CS-This album is the instrumental soundtrack to a low-budget sleaze/horror flick (also called "Scorpio"), and it shines above and beyond the film itself. The music is 9 tracks of churning, tempestuous electronic textures and ominous synth strings. This is the kind of music ideally suited to a Dario Argento film. TUQV mainman Jason Wallach has been crafting his unique blend of dark ambient terrain and introspective nightmare vision for several years, and this is his most polished effort yet. THE UNQUIET VOID creates a drifting cascade of haunting and melodic music that deserves attention and CD release. This is an artist to watch. (TUQV/Alterculture)

The Unquiet Void - "The Shadow-Haunted Outside" CD - Jason Wallach's fourth full-length is a tortured soundtrack for waking-dream states and an homage to legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. Relying chiefly on electronic sound sources, Wallach's shifting, ambient masses open up like clusters of darkened vapour, enveloping everything with unseen tendrils and barbed fangs. Imagine, if you will, the feeling of walking the streets of late-night London during Jack The Ripper's reign. 'Devourer' even sounds much like a ghastly monster devouring it's prey in a musty, rusty, and abandoned warehouse. Harrowing work, to be sure. This is the mood set by The Unquiet Void - a tense, paranoid journey with an overpowering, even stifling sense of foreboding. If the literary works of such fantastic horror-masters as Lovecraft or Clive Barker appeal to you, then this release will find a permanent home in your CD collection. If you are afraid of the dark, this disc will scare the living bejesus out of you. But pick it up soon as it's limited to 500 copies. (Middle Pillar)

various-"Up Next" CD-This promo comp of artists on the blossoming indie label Up Records showcases their penchant for releasing a wide range of indie rock music. From the weird post-new wave of VIOLENT GREEN to the straight acoustic narratives of Mike Johnson to electronic remixes of both MODEST MOUSE (mix by DJ Dynamite D) and THE PASTELS (mix by STEREOLAB) to the girl-punk of DICKLESS to the heavy, heavy rawk of the legendary TAD, Up seems to be a label on the rise. It's not my particular cup o' tea, but those of you interested in hearing the next generation of indie rock, here's one for you. (Up)

Upstate - "Missing: The Official Soundtrack" CDR - An all-too-brief 5-song release of songs recorded via post between members, UPSTATE's emotive brand of melodic, melancholic indie rock is at once accessable and homespun. The band's penchant for creating mood and texture had me hooked instantly, and while listening to this, I can refer you to the equally as fine California act SWELL, who mine a similar territory. It's pop, it's rock, and it's all really very, very good. I'll be anxiously awaiting more from these lads. (Friendly Psychics Music)

The Upwelling - "The Upwelling" CDR - This new Brooklyn 3-piece begin very nicely with the strong FM pop/rock of 'In Her Arms', which is a melodic almost-ballad that could easily find itself on cooler radio stations any day now. 'Sam' begins harder but proves itself to be more catchy indie-pop of the highest order, with superb songwriting and slight electronic accents alongside the guitar/drum/vocal foundation. 'Murdered By A Big Bomb' is a touching cut that should also be all over the radio. THE UPWELLING definitely have the means to produce easily-digested and well-written, even heartwrenching-yet-upbeat rock sounds, and this self-produced EP may seem somewhat mainstream in feel for some of you, but when the college kids are humming this stuff in the mall in a few months, remember that you read it first here. (Noreaster Media)

URANIA-"Initiation" CD-George Hagegeorge's new post-UTN project release their debut album here, and with the added musical assistance of vocalist Melissa Sharlot and the PYGMY CHILDREN, he's produced a solid hardbeat album. Tracks like "Fractured Spirit" bring a laid-back and even funky feel, whereas most of the album otherwise grooves with a more aggressive post-industrial dance vibe. "Katabasis" even shows a more experimental soundtrack side that adds further variety to the proceedings. Hagegeorge's production is clear and crisp throughout, and "Initiation" is a strong release for the genre. (Brain Surgery Music)

various artists-"Uroborus Press Newsletter 00.01" CS-This is the limited tape comp that was to accompany the aborted vol.1 of the Uroborus Press newsletter, and as a comp/mixtape, it works more than well enough to these ears. The A side of this 90-minute tape brings the modern sounds of electronica to the forefront, from glitchtronics to melodic techno sounds to Detroit to trance, all continuously mixed and molded into a flowing 45-minute set. Side B changes direction a bit, owing much to 60s pop, world music, and post-rock sounds, with some rather big names from the past and present. There's something on here that you will dig, no question about it. A cool and always diverse mix from Uroborus. (Uroborus Press)

various artists-"Uroborus Press Newsletter 0.02" CS-The second in the series of ultra-micro-limited mixtape releases from Uroborus to accent their second newsletter, this one takes off with some commercial trance dance music, and moves gradually into many other musical arenas, carefully leading the ears into uncharted vistas. On your 90-minute musical world travelogue, expect to visit some breakbeat, reggae dub, hiphop, minimalist pop, country, dubhop, trance techno, folk, and more. And although this mix sounds positively schizophrenic, truly open minds will appreciate the nicely-mixed samples presented here. The newsletter itself is a simple 3-page text with articles about progressive rock, mixtapes as a hobby, and the digital vs. analogue recording argument in traders' terms. When taken as a whole with the included cassette, the newsletter is an altogether pleasant and educational experience. Bravo. (Uroborus Press)

various artists-"Uroborus Press Newsletter 00.03: The May 28, 2001 Memorial Headphone Mix (uro-44)" CS-This highly-limited 90-minute cassette comp serves up another wild and diverse mix of sounds from the venerable musical archives of the Uroborus Press. Side A is a refreshing, spacious, and well-flowing mix of superb instrumental breakbeat/drum & bass sounds, including some obscure but excellent work by what I'd imagine are UK-based DJs. The flipside begins with some fine glitchwork from a respected UK duo, then effortlessly slides into some dark and filmic soundtracks, mellow space-age jazz, ambient soundscapes, plaintive guitars, and even 60s pop. An excellent comp that does a fine job of joining all sorts of genres and moods into a strangely cohesive mix. And the accompanying newsletter includes a well-written discourse on "Collector Scum and the Record Dealer"--from the viewpoint of a vinyl collector who's seen times change, not necessarily for the better. Also included are some brief reviews of everything from music (recent releases by CURRENT 93 and MENTALLO & THE FIXER get some ink) to sports games (the UEFA Champion's League Final). Overall, a highly personal and individual release very worthy of your time and attention. (Uroborus Press)

Various - "Urodub Sound System: Indo-Asia" CS - Another ultra-limited cassette mix from micro-indie Uropress, this time focused on sounds initiated from, inspired by, or taken from Indian and Asian culture. Side A consists of predominantly meditational ambience and traditional musics (including some gamelan), whereas Side B shifts into prog-rock (with Asian inflections, of course), electronica, and even out-jazz. The 90 minutes here flow from languid soundscapes to sultry beats and back again, encompassing some known (as well as quite obscure) artists from all over the world. Again, no names can be mentioned but suffice to say that this subtle and well-crafted compilation provides an effective (and reflective) soundtrack for a good many situations! (Uropress)

Us And Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd CD-Yes, its orchestral renditions of classic FLOYD songs, as arranged and produced by Jaz Coleman and Youth, respectively(both of KILLING JOKE). Interesting at first, but the sad paranoia of the originals are lost as these versions are just so clean.(Point Music)

U2 - "Achtung Baby .- A Classic Album Under Review" DVD - Generally acknowledged as one of the prime influences and inspirations on modern rock, U2 have had their fair share of critical acclaim as well as ridicule. 'Achtung' was a divisive and transitional release after the band's stunning success in the late 80s. With elements of electronica and dance mixed into the group's anthemic rock sound, this release holds what may be the band's finest moment, the lovely 'One'. Years later, this song alone holds a massive resonance, with even the mighty Johnny Cash reverently covering it years later. So with this DVD, a series of music journalists and authorities attempt to unravel the mystery and mystique of the 1991 'Achtung Baby' recordings. It's a fair assessment, if a bit dry and lengthy (68 minutes of discussion on any one LP is a bit excessive). Hardcore fans would find this interesting and worthy, but for the casual listener, this is one to avoid. (Chrome Dreams via MVD Video)

U2 - "An Unforgettable Journey" DVD - Ah, these unauthorized documentaries are often very very bad, focusing on the so-called 'untold stories' (read tabloid-ready, 'scandalous' and sensationalistic) and interviewing people of debatable relevance to the artist(s) or art. In this case, however, the only thing holding this 60-minute unofficial film back is it's lack of actual U2 music (for licensing reasons, of course). Otherwise, it's a fair and generally palatable compendium of band interviews, photographs, and historical accounts from (mostly Irish) journalists. And, since there is so little 'dirt' or skeletons apparent in U2's collective closets, what we have here is a solid and even flattering portrayal of the group's rise from the pubs of Dublin to the stadiums of America and beyond. Granted, there are definitely better U2 bios out there (VH1 and MTV have produced some excellent ones), but to a hardcore fan, this is certainly a worthy way to pass some time. (Chrome Dreams c/o MVD)

U2 - "The DVD Collector's Box" 2xDVD - Reprising two unauthorized biographical discs, this 'limited edition' simply repackages them in one flimsy 'deluxe slipcase'. And it's one for the hardcore fanatics only, to be certain. Bordering on the sycophantic, the title of the first DVD says it all - 'Bono - God's Favourite Son'. At only an hour in length, this is basically another history of the band, focused on the life of it's tireless vocalist and public mouthpiece, the irrepressable Paul Hewson. The other DVD in this set is 'U2 - An Unforgettable Journey', and does a better, less pedantic job of outlining and describing Dublin's best-known rock act's rise to fame and international stardom. Both include many interviews with old associates and friends, as well as the band themselves, though there is no actual U2 music present (they ARE unauthorized, after all). And to top it all off, the packaging fails to list the box's contents so fans could unknowingly repurchase the same titles. Ugh. Even big-time fans should be leary of this ripoff 'release'. (Chrome Dreams UK/MVD Visual)

u-Ziq-In Pine Effect CD-Domestic debut album from this APHEX protegee. U-Ziq crafts similarly experimental techno. Inventive and unique all the way around.(Astralwerks)

u-Ziq-Urmur Bile Trax Volume 1 Volume 2 CD-Compiling two UK 12es, this album shows Mike Paradinas going the bass & drum route with all sorts of complex, skittering jungle rhythms. But Urmur Bile also has an almost jazzy feel as well, sampling Ornette Coleman among others. Excellent. (Astralwerks)