After a seemingly endless round of exceptional 12" singles leaking from the States, Dilated Peoples finally dropped their debut, 'The Platform', to less fanfare than strictly deserved. But even if we'd already heard the majority of that album's best tunes, it confirmed the true status of The Alchemist - the producer responsible for most of its finest moments.
So, this time around - without the trail of single releases - Dilated Peoples have the chance to make a real impact and 'Expansion Team' doesn't miss the target.
After the unfortunately Dilated-by-numbers intro of 'Live On Stage', the breathtakingly hot 'Worst Come To Worst' quickly weighs in proving that The Alchemist - who clearly learnt most of his tricks from DJ Premier - is close to usurping the master. Perfect strings beautifully augment its big speaker-flexing bass kicks and blissfully textured samples. One of the most impressive productions of the year. Oh yeah, Guru puts in a cameo just long enough to make it worth mentioning him on the sleeve notes.
Next up, though, Premo himself tackles the challenge head on with one of his best since, er, since the last one. 'Clock Work' lets DJ Babu do his thing making space in the production for some carefully pitched turntable work and providing a welcome respite from Premo's usual fast chopping.
The essential collaboration with hip-hop's favourite drunkies, Tha Licks, is as reliable as a Volvo and considerably more exciting. Last time around they might have been called Tha Alkaholics but little else has changed. Other highlights include the Alchemist's darkly compelling 'Panic', the piano groove of 'Pay Attention!' and, well, most of it really. And that's rare praise for a hip-hop release these days.
In a time when the music is either dominated by commercial personas or the proteges of the new breed of super producers, 'Expansion Team' is an essential shot in the arm for the increasingly stagnant underground. But then again, Dilated Peoples are signed to Parlophone and hardly qualify. Maybe that's the special ingredient. If it's all going to be this good - bring on the new corporate 'underground'!
