Banco de Gaia

This compilation of work from the last decade by Banco de Gaia (aka Toby Marks) not only shows off his best work in a setting that's a continuous mix, but also makes one of the strongest cases yet for electronica as the new prog rock. It might not have the complex time signatures or rampant instrumental virtuosity of an earlier era, but it does offer far more than most rock music, with depth, ingenuity, and a tune that -- generally -- progress from A to B, and in the best cases, to C and beyond. And Marks frequently offers the very best cases, not just on pieces like the excellent "Last Train to Lsaha" or "887," but also on "Gizeh" and "Mafich Arabi." You can trace the development in his work, from the early post-rave material to the more thoughtful, ethnic-influenced work, which is ultimately more satisfying. An interesting selection of tracks, not only from his own albums, but single remixes and other compilations, making for a more complete portrait of the artist as a young man. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide