I'm not sure why I started this review, it's just not easy to describe the attraction here. Everyday I reach for another indie piece as I'm still just not comfortable with reviewing the same crap everyone already knows about to draw ratings and visits. So when I reach for my Prodigy "Fat of the Land" disc, I'm reminded not all popular pieces decline in stock level. Still a legendary case in my tower holding up space until every other year or so when I pick it up, and re-abuse for another 3 months. Though some infectious beats are long and drawn out... ITS JUST NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO WALK AWAY WITH THIS ALBUM IN YOUR EAR DRUMS AND NOT FEELING DRAWN, OR ATTENTFUL. But like I said its an album that can grow weary after abuse.

Controversial , dark and ahead of its time was this European bred foursome of friends fingering the keyboard, and draining their lungs. "Smack My B*tch Up" is an obvious choice for the examples which lead to the controversial tag. A video that seemed to offend everyone but a bunch cut off the world pacifists hidden in the Adirondack Mountains somewhere. But if you want an MTV angle you know where the site is. I’m talking about this 1997 release, and its unprecedented core combination of instrumentals and beat theories. Though most will say this genre will never control the pop culture charts, something tells me this unique blend of scratching, and industrial tecno dance has not finished with our easily impacted purchasing habits.

Tracks like "Breathe" and "Diesel Power" were rightfully placed second and third respectively. Both endure the entire format and feel of repetitive beats and occasionally aggressive vocals. Once again, they can become annoyingly repetitive if spun too much.

Maybe its those tiny hairs on my ears react to this album in a hypnotically sense, sucking me into every mix of instrumental storyline. Perhaps the very aspect of knowing NOTHING is off-limits, such as in "Funky Sh*t".... FINALLY I DONT HAVE TO QUOTE LYRICS!!!!!! Cause that’s it "Funky Sh*t".... If you're the type who is more moved by emotional experiences, and/or whining belted out verse chorus, verse chorus by some formatted front man, go somewhere else. This is infact a form of an collaborative banding of emotional outbursts, its no where near what most would consider traditional. Every trail of mental progression may seem unfamiliar at first, but wait just a bit and you may notice a natural understanding of these progressional highs and lows.

My polar opposites award has to go to track six "Mindfields". Beginning with a brief old skool clip sounding like the THX intro for a movie ... sneaking in joined by a back bone beat. But grab your mental relaxation reflex cause you’re coming with me as each sound is introduced....Indescribable is the almost harp like sound taking the baton of the beat. Keep it all together, here comes the intro....."This is dangerous. Open up your head feel the shellshock. This is dangerous. I walk through minefields and watch your head rock..." DROP!!!!!!!... A generic deep bass beat drops.. Even for those who don’t use bass AT ALL will feel the pounding of this beat. This is possibly the most wicked aspect, keeping control of your head leaving you no choice but to become another affected object to the beat. This may prove important, as the beat is purely the heartbeat of this project. Similar to a black Labrador who cant quit staring at an unfamiliar creature, you'll be more taken aback with the accompanying little rickets and additions, than the back bone beat. Next up, look out all, as this is that moment where I drop the name of their one HUGE chart topper, and spread noise that this Anti-Western culture formation is a one hit wonder. "Firestarter" ...right……… well now that’s done.


Rhythmic and unforgettable are the vocals of "Narayan". Wondering if you'll feel the beat from the controversial lyrics alone, the intro reads..... "If you believe the western sun, is falling down on everyone. You're breaking free and the morning's come. If you would know your time has come". Nearing the end, the entire track takes a twist, and becomes one big ball of vibrating bass and drum splashes, insanely wrapped in air compressions and faders. Further on we go through the forest, running scared from watching every branch of every tree as you enter the world of "Climbatize". Wow, who knows how many records would have sold with this single being pushed. Who needs a lyric, just listen. An instrumental intro which includes your traditionally created drum, and bass which is used to create an environment suitable for an arranged assortment of a bouncing handball, and its masterful hand. What’s that.. you’re not done trying to keep up with each sample? How bout they throw in another haunting air compression that whines like a beautiful nightmare? Just over four minutes in you reach a little rest stop...from where you will witness as the outro beat builds back up only to come back with a quicker and more belonging speed. Ending things out with "Fuel My Fire", the projection of pure industrial influence and guitars is exposed as this album puts Prodigy into the selection committee for my personal hall of fame.

Like a dew soaked cold bottle of water, most refreshingly, more than half this album is spent following each bend and curve of the music. As if you were speeding up and down the Pacific Coast Highway trying to watch the ocean roll in, you're mind is certainly kept busy. Waiting for lyrics will be a waste of time, you may want to go count the days till the next big thing, cause there’s a quite a bit more musicianship and integrity involved here that may never be matched again.

Bring a mouthpiece to keep your teeth from chattering

Check around in the future for a review on a similar artist and perhaps the future of this unique blend
Overseer -‘Wreckage‘

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Exercising