State Of Mind - Faster Than Light

Rating: * * * *

Patrick Hawkins and Stu Maxwell make drum'n'bass that's both fiery and intriguing. On the duo's second album opening track Deadzone has a mystical Middle Eastern mood (a trait prominent on 2006 debut Take Control) that builds into something maddening; then it's into City On Fire with a punishing barrage of verbal anarchy courtesy of rapper PNC, and Moneytrain VIP has a high-rolling swagger. In between all this, Space Surfer lurches around with

bruising, haphazard beats and Fly is a more soaring and soulful resprite thanks to the vocals of Elitia Clark from funk band the Hot Grits.

But it's Tiki Taane's guest spot on the mangled and contorting Kinetic that is the true anthem. Not only does his line "You can't f*** with my state of mind" carry multiple meanings, it also sums up the sentiment of this stormer of an album.

While Faster Than Light doesn't push drum'n'bass into any bold new places, even in its most dastardly and dour parts, it still maintains a silky flow and brazen energy which is what drum'n'bass is all about.

Also included is a seven-track bonus disc with the remix of City On Fire the pick of the bunch, where PNC is not so in your face, giving the song a smoother finish.

There's only one thing to remember: turn it up to an obnoxious level, even if your fellow partygoers, motorists, or casual observers think you are a dick.

Scott Kara