Every new System 7 album reveals their vibe of upwardly spiraling energy and quality has progressed many revolutions higher. I look forward to their 'on-beam' uplifting releases like no other, they are definitely part of my universe. For me little in the dance field comes close to them.

'Seventh Wave' is a driving, focused laser beam of beats heading straight out there that eventually mellows onto a plateau of atmospheric tranquility and invention resting a-top a bed of gentle, cushioning rhythms. Oh yeah and there are great guitar fragments, lines and grooves all over the place.

The optimistic force of Manik Shamanik carries all before it and evoked smiles of pleasure as the urge to 'shake that thang' could not be resisted - parts reminded me of 'The Blue Room', the Orb/System 7 collaboration of a few years ago. 'High Plains Drifter' is a wonderful relentless track, and long time listeners may recognize the 'Fish Rising' sample which sets the tone and pluse of '7 O' Clock'. In fact the first three tracks will get you there all by themselves, but there's more.

'Soft Rain' is the track with the strongest gliss feel on the album mixed in with funkier rhythms and tracks 5, 7 and 8 are much more mellow than the irresistible beats of the earlier tracks - breathing space or perhaps the whole point of the trip? Who knows, who cares, it all sounds good to me - a hugely enjoyable journey.

Programming by System 7. Guitars by Steve Hillage. Synthesizers by Miquette Giraudy. Sample on track one by Neu!