Urceus Exit- Metro

Artist: Urceus Exit
CD Title: Metro
Label: Artoffact Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 12-19-05

It’s a safe guess that Urceus Exit’s Richard Duggan is a pretty big Underworld fan; the title track from his single “Metro” is so reminiscent of the Essex techno legends it’s scary, from the rapid-fire stream-of-consciousness lyrics accumulating in layers to the extended warping electronic instrumental that finishes out the song. Underworld are brilliant. Duggan is not – if he was, this song wouldn’t sound so much like Underworld – but he’s got good taste in music, and the fact that “Metro” is a pretty obvious homage doesn’t make it any less fun to dance to. DJs will appreciate the inclusion of multiple remixes; the Shy Brothers mix is harder, with a nice piano breakdown and trance build towards the end, while Duggan’s own “Mixed Up Enjoy Land” edit is dark electro with snippets of ominous piano running throughout. The “Pushing Through The Crowds” mix is a speedier version that hints at tribal house influences, while “These Spots In My Eyes” eradicates the dance/pop orientation of the original in favor of instrumental chill-out music that’s just a touch too clinical to actually be soothing. This single also features some exclusive tracks, the bleeping techno and whispered vocals of “Together,” the dark mechanical warbling of “Soil,” and the ominous industrial electro of “You Taste Like.” Another good example of the Artoffact Records stable of dark but danceable electronic artists, Urceus Exit should appeal to synthpop and EBM fans alike, especially if they’re into Underworld, of course.

Find Urceus Exit online at www.urceusexit.com.