AK1200

No less an authority than Dieselboy has called the Florida-based DJ AK1200 "the foundation of the American drum'n'bass scene," and while that may sound just a bit over-the-top to anyone who can name more than five or six American junglists from memory, there's no question that AK1200 is responsible for some of the most captivating music in a genre that is too often formulaic and, a decade after its arrival on the U.K. scene, distressingly stagnant. At Close Range doesn't exactly break new ground, and at its least compelling it demonstrates the weaknesses inherent in the genre: a tendency toward chilly, antiseptic atmospheres, and a certain textural shallowness. But at its best, this album showcases some talent that is well deserving of wider recognition, such as Pawthang, whose jittery masterpiece "Epilogue VIP" showcases the smooth vocal talents of one Kari Rueslatten, and Dom & Roland's pleasantly complex "Dance All Night." Junior Reid brings a welcome reggae element to "Junior's Tune." The rest of the program never falls below the pleasantness threshold, and particular moments will catch your attention often enough to justify the purchase. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide