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Album Review: V/A - Urban Renewal Program Supp. 1.5 (Chocolate Industries)
Reviewer: Monica Runke
This is a reloaded version of the original Urban Renewal Program (released on Ninja Tune in August 2002). It features
remixes as well as a few new tracks, creating a condensed and powerful compilation.
Wylin Out by Mos Def and Diverse opens with a strong
indian/bhangra vibe, perfect for a Brick Lane hybrid-sound set. Aesop Rock follows up with a remix of his own
Train Buffer, which rocked the original album and which
continues the groove here. This is perhaps the most powerful track on the EP and stands out from the rest of the other
jazzier and more abstracted sounds on the album such as Caural's Photograph. The slightly haunting vocals and
slow, hypnotic rhythm of
Fear by Atmosphere, and Diverse's Low Budget mix of Blindman give the EP an experimental, freeform feel,
exemplifying the Urban Renewal Program ethic.
Prefuse-73 provides a brief funky hip hop intro and interlude, and the languid, seering electronica of Broad Grins
From The Boarding Ramp drifts off like a dreamy film score. It's good to hear these West coast sounds among the
recent
UK releases. Despite the difference in influences and attitudes, you can appreciate the similarities in experience and
expression. Smooth production, a bold attitude, and twisted lyrics give the Urban Renewal Program an sharp edge which
shows no sign of blunting.
RELATED LINKS:
Ninja Tune
PUBLISHED: Monday 1 December 2003
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