Satoshi Tomiie

If you're eyeing this release with the hope of finding more of the stuff that Satoshi Tomiie served up on the Full Lick album, then look elsewhere. Integration 1 is nothing like Full Lick -- but that doesn't mean it's not any good. While Full Lick was a collection of original Tomiie tracks, this is a compilation mix, a vehicle for the Japanese star to highlight his skills as an underground DJ. Only one of the tracks on Integration 1 is his, the stripped-down "Paranoize/Main-Patch." The rest come from a variety of electronica artists, most of whom are rather obscure. Vocals are to be found throughout the album, but they're rarely used in a conventional way; basically, there's more talking than singing and none of that soulful wailing that appeared in heavy doses on Full Lick. Early on, Integration 1 is rather laid-back and minimal. Halfway through, however, the set speeds up and then goes kind of tribal; keep your ears pricked for the wonderfully gruff "AC-DC" and "My Orbit." Then, suddenly, Tomiie puts the breaks on again and closes the curtains with "Passenger," an infectious tune which hints of 1990s Depeche Mode. So there you have it, another top-shelf effort from the Japanese maestro. Essentially, however, this is a work for fans of deep trance and dark house; something you'd whack on the stereo at home before a night out amidst the sweaty bodies and pulsing lights of an underground nightclub. ~ David Peter Wesolowski, All Music Guide