Back in 1991 Nightmares On Wax was introduced to the world by the UK's Warp Records. The then duo of George "DJ E.A.S.E." Evelyn and Kevin "Boywonder" Harper had released a few singles before committing their productions to a full length effort. Before the trip hop and downtempo labels were applied NOW was swimming in the murky waters that surround New York house and electro, Detroit techno and soul, and London rave and acid. There are hints of what would come on later releases like Smokers Delight and Carboot Soul. However, some of the better tracks on A Word Of Science take cues from the hardcore rave and jungle that was popular in the UK at the time. Take the classic "Aftermath" with its heavy breakbeat influence or the bleeps and breaks of "Dexterous." The duo also enlisted Tozz 180 for Golden Era inspired "Mega Donutz" and gave listeners a taste of what would come on future releases with tracks like "Playtime" and the Steve Miller sampling "Back Into Time." Looking back A Word Of Science serves as a testament to the diversity in music coming in and out of the UK at the end of the 20th century.

• debut album originally released in 1991
• double LP housed in a gatefold sleeve
• music label: Warp Records 1991 / 2014

reviewed by Hank Ohs 10/2014

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