The Vision [11/8] * by Joker (Dubstep) (CD, Nov-2011, 4AD (USA))

Album Features
UPC:	652637313123
Artist:	Joker (Dubstep)
Format:	CD
Release Year:	2011
Record Label:	4AD (USA)
Genre:	Dance, R&B, Rap

Track Listing
1. Intro
2. Slaughter House
3. Tron
4. Vision, The (Let Me Breathe)
5. Milky Way
6. Level 6 (Interlude)
7. My Trance Girl
8. Lost
9. On My Mind
10. Back in the Days
11. Electric Sea
12. Magic Causeway, The

Details
Playing Time:	52 min.
Contributing Artists:	William Cartwright, Jessie Ware, Buggsy, Jay Wilcox, Otis Brown, Scarz, Shadz, Eastwest-Symphonic Orchestra
Distributor:	ADA
SPAR Code:	n/a

Album Notes
Audio Mixer: Joker .After a dozen-plus 12" singles and EPs on revered underground dance labels like Tectonic and Hyperdub, and the Joker-centric Kapsize, Liam McLean lands on 4AD, where he seizes the full-length format. Prior to The Vision, McLean amassed a body of bloody-minded output that toggled between immense and ominous, from modern electronic funk ("Purple City," recorded with fellow Bristolian Ginz) to sparse and booming hip-hop ("Snake Eater"). His best moment was 2009's "Psychedelic Runway," a widescreen combination of prowling beats, lancing synthesizers, and numerous horror-theme elements seemingly constructed for the purpose of devouring any pop radio playlist. While it required only slight modifications to his approach -- brighter tones and simpler arrangements, allowing room for singers and MCs -- it's still surprising that much of The Vision sounds like an effort to assimilate into commercial airwaves. The best vocal track is pulled off brilliantly due to the soul-rooted Jessie Ware, who is commanding and skilled enough to navigate one of McLean's most vibrant and dynamic productions. Otherwise, the most effective tracks are the instrumentals: "Milky Way," "My Trance Girl," and the 2010 A-side "Tron." Each one carries swashbuckling synthesizer lines so heavy that they can be felt, through a decent sound system, in the chest. ~ Andy Kellman

Editorial Reviews
[He fares] better when lashing a live wire across vicious first single 'The Vision' and whetting the stabbing synths of 'Tron' and 'Slaughter House.'
Spin