Luke Vibert dips into the drum'n'bass arena with the appropriately titled DRUM 'N' BASS FOR PAPA. The beats here are crisp, as on "Me & Mr. Jones," which also delves into a mysterious vibe. The melodic bells of the title track seem a perfect counterpoint to the heavy bass hits, while "Cut" brings in a melancholy whistle. "Feelings" has a similar downcast feel, even if the rhythms are more jump-up. The old-timey organ that start "The Life of the Mind" soon gives way to a tom-tom flurry for an immersive jazz experience, punctuated with some random yelling to keep you on your toes, and "Subtle (In Your Face)" brings down the pace momentarily with some smoky chords, but continually morphs. The thick percussion that clatters onto "Delicious" are indeed tasty, as are the horn and string pulls in "DBC." "Maker of All" rounds out the album proper with some Indian-flavored sounds. On the additional VERSATILE CRIB FUNK ep, "Cut ('97 Remix)" goes for a more stripped down approach, though the easy listening loop still remains, and the whistling sweetness of "Brave Lick" stands up well to the softer drum breaks. "Versatile" uses its woodwinds to great effect, setting a gentle mood for the thicker drums to come thundering in, and while "Tuf Rinse" starts off filtered and downplayed, until... you guessed it. "Crib Funk" closes things proper with a jazz/funk hybrid that doesn't skimp on the rhythm. A solid stepper throughout.

THE best drum & bass album EVER! Simply mindblowing. Every minute is a suprise with a treat around every corner. The layer's of twisted breaks and jazzy atmospheres, combined with hip hop samples and electronic trickery all gel together and firmly plant this album into drum & bass legendry.