Dead Heretic

Mystic Sound Records are a new label for the Heretic, but they have fast come to the fore of my listening rotation. It is artists like Rukirek who have cemented MSR's place in my Obsession Quotient.

Beyond All Dimensions is a sonically complex and deep work of seven tracks running you up to over an hour of chilled out and semi-chilled synth heaven. It all kicks off subtly with world music sounding vibes, but the album builds up a little. As you progress through the tracks, you get a thumpier beat and a little, small-time sonic mugging.

What really intrigued me was the wide range of music traditions that have fed into this album. From the Middle East right across to the Carribean, vignettes and nods to the vast river of musical art can be found. Rukirek might be from Russia, but his musical inspiration is global in nature. The mix is heady, evocative and not too shy about kicking you onto the dance floor.

Beyond All Dimensions is one of four Rukirek albums I own and I love this artist. I have, more than once, slept the entire night with these sounds in my head. Who the hell needs Valium when this dude is pumping out wicked awesome vibes such as this? I sure as heck don't.

One of the nicest things about the album, and something I have often loved any album for, is the use of soundbites of people talking and of singers vocalising. They are not a major feature of the album, but they add an extra dose of beauty into an already intoxicating chemical cocktail of sound.

This is one album to get your ears into. Do check Rukirek out.