From KEYBOARD's column "In Review" by Robert L. Doerschuk:

     Fortran 5, Blues (Mute, dist. by Elektra).

     From the opening moments - snippets of the Doors, the old
"Tequila" guitar riff, and someone who sounds a lot like Buddy
Rich ranting and raving - this dance collection establishes
itself as a compelling and subtle work.  Though their beats are
solid enough to keep club crowds on their feet, the drum sounds
don't dominate or overpower other elements in the arrangement. 
Instead, the interweave of samples, rhythm sequences, and
occasional melodic vocals stands as the focal point on each of
these tracks.  The key to Fortran 5 is patience and space:
Programme/sampler Simon Leonard and keyboardist/guitarist David
Baker leave plenty of room in the mix to highlight details and
take the time they need to make their statement.  "Blues Pt. 1,"
for instance, begins as a few teeny bleeps, then very slowly
builds around a rapid heartbeat pulse into a kind of anticlimax;
imagine Kraftwerk doing Bolero and you'll get the picture.  Even
their "techno" track, "XX21," is more restrained and thoughtful
than hysterical.  Blues is rave for people who still prefer books
to smart drugs.


     Copied by aLex. No permission granted.