Source's jungle rock hypnotizes

Imagine an apocalyptic invasion of Earth by flying saucers. Now envision red, overcast skies filled with rain, lightning and destructive lasers being fired by the evil robotic invaders. If an event such as this really were to occur, "Exorcise the Demons" would be a fitting soundtrack.

Source Direct produces some of the most haunting yet soothing jungle music ever heard. Unlike the majority of electronic music intended to make you shake your booty, the epic songs on this album are more likely to shake your psyche into a state of instability. Designed to invoke strong emotional responses, this music exploits the poetic beauty of horror, science and paranoia.

While there's no denying the effects of this music in a solitary, late-night home listening, the nine songs found on "Exorcise the Demons" function just as powerfully in a rave situation. Turn out the lights, burn some candles, turn on a strobe light, push your subwoofers to the limit and let your body react to the deep, twisting bass lines and rattling breakbeats. This music will drag you into its dark world. The rhythmic elements of the music compliment the eerie atmospheres impressively.

Beginning with an interest in hardcore hip-hop and hard techno, producers Jim Baker and Phil Aslett slowly were drawn into England's inner city jungle scene as it slowly began to evolve in the early '90s. By the mid-'90s, Source Direct had released the first of several EPs on the most innovative record label specializing in complex, dark jungle in England, Metalheadz.

"Exorcise the Demons" is their first full length album, and is released and promoted by Astralwerks - the same record label that introduced America to Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers.

There's a slim chance Source Direct will attain a similar level of commercial success. Even though jungle seems to be rather trendy right now in America, "Exorcise the Demons" is a bit too complex and inaccessible for the mainstream. Those who appreciate the literature of Edgar Allen Poe, the films of David Lynch or unending dreams of being chased will enjoy the feelings this music presents.

Although this album definitely requires the listener to be in a certain mood, it retains an element of tranquility unlike heavy metal and other forms of evil sounding electronic music. The drums and bass pound relentlessly, but somehow they end up being more hypnotizing than annoying.

The most remarkable quality about this album is how it can make banging jungle music with an element of horror so pleasing to the ear and picturesque to the mind.

03-16-99