Test Dept "Tactics for Evolution" Invisible
Records INV 114 1998 (62:47)
Enigma of Doctor Dee (6:34)
Unforgiven (5:22)
Voyager (6:06)
Atlantis (7:28)
2 Ghettos (7:48)
Dark Light (6:25)
Motivation (5:32)
Miotica (6:18)
Vena Cava (Life Blood) (5:37)
Rat (5:37)
Overall impression: good but a little disappointing. It sounds to me like Test Dept has now gone completely electronic. This cd doesn't have the live percussion onslaught and world sound like the live tracks on the first Drug Test Compilation. This one sounds more like a refined and careful studio programming of drum 'n bass, dub, ambient, etc and synths/samples. You might find it a bit drab if you're searching/hoping for the more varied sound of the past because this album is very focused on the electronic sound. But, the sound is still invigorating and interesting. There are plenty of original percussion sounds and samples to keep it so. They still do it better than a lot of others out there. However, I would have to say that I prefer the tracks on DT1 and "The Drifter" on DT3 (which, oddly enough, is not on this cd) over anything on this album. I'm not too impressed with the packaging, the graphics and fonts used are pretty dull.
Test Dept page at Invisible Records