PAUL VAN DYK
OUT THERE AND BACK
DOUBLE ALBUM VANDIT, UNIVERSAL RELEASE: JUNE 5, 2000 REVIEW: JULY 3, 2000
Paul van Dyk represents a kind of club music I didn't think existed anymore.
Intelligent techno. With injections of both dance and trance, "Out There and
Back" has targeted an exceptional amount of possible listeners. It's very
complex music, but with an instant appeal. The melodies and moods are all
composed with great skill, but I am even more impressed with the advanced
soundwalls Mr van Dyk manages to create. From what I can tell, he uses an
extensive machine park, providing welcomed variety. It's nowhere near the
kindergarten eurodisco and far away from the most introvert techno as well.
Paul may have found that sought for golden path in between.
My version of "Out There and Back" consists of two discs, but the second one only holds
three tracks, and the video for the single release "Tell Me Why (The
Riddle)", featuring the voice of Sarah Cracknell of Saint Etienne.
A more varied tempo would have lifted the album even further, but it's a
perfect party pleaser. Have in mind, however, that this release contains over ninety minutes of,
mostly upbeat, techno and that the constant beat of deep bass,
drums and buzzing synths might bore you after one and a half hour. But
personally I was thrilled all the way. Long segments of "Out There and Back"
work just fine for me.
