Released on 25/04/2000
Label: Virus

This Virus EP may well mark a slight change of tone at the traditional home of ominous viral darkness. 3 tracks from Ed Rush and Optical and one from Optical and Trace, at least 50 percent of this EP is headed in the right direction. It isn't the typically boring 'Socon' but the funky and retro-rave sounds of 'Crash' and the lashing beats and unfeasibly deep bass of 'Syringe' that prove Ed Rush and Optical are not yet a spent force. Surprisingly, the stand-out comes from Optical and Trace. 'Kiridian' sees the latter dispense with the hoover sounds and jam together samples from early Nu Groove track and rave classic, 'Industrial Bass', for an altogether more subtle creation. Discordant bleeps play off a bongo rhythm for a seriously funky and understated club anthem in waiting.

    by James Poletti