HYBRID MORNING SCI-FI ALBUM DISTINCTIVE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 (UK), SEPTEMBER 23, 2003 (US) REVIEW: AUGUST 16, 2003

This British dance duo consisting of Mike Truman and Chris Healings is perhaps better known for their remixes than their own work. They have remixed such diverse artists as Alanis Morisette, Andreas Johnson, Fresh Prince and Radiohead. The work is taken seriously indeed, and sometimes Hybrid even brings in a string section just to get the right sound (a trick they also employed on this album). And I must say that most of their mixes are fantastic! But when I listen to this album I can tell that the duo works best when they can use melody and tunes already there, instead of inventing their own. Their skill at creating atmosphere is unsurpassed though, and mayhap song writing is not what this album is about. I suspect it’s more about harmonies, beautiful strings, beats, moods, dancing and getting into the groove. And it works very well in that respect. Very well indeed.
The contribution by New Order’s Peter Hook on “True to Form” is in the form of a very trademark bass riff, but it fits pretty well with the electronic surroundings. Other collaborators are Kristy Hawkshaw, DJ John Creamer and The Hermitage String Orchestra.
I think "Morning Sci-fi" is better than the last album “Wide Angle”; more complex and evolved while still retaining a very typical Hybrid style. Check this album out if you want some modern, sophisticated and intelligent dance music.

JOHAN CARLSSON