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Infected Mushroom
» Vicious Delicious
Reviewed by Ashley James
/ Submitted 18-05-07 08:14
Label: BNE
Format: CD
Genre: Psy Trance
Although Infected Mushroom are undoubtedly one of the biggest, if not the biggest psy trance act on the planet they have always had something of a marmite appeal to different people. You either love them or hate them. Personally I’ve always liked them, finding their past albums original and at times refreshing - in fact 'Converting Vegetarians' remains one of my all time favourite albums. The production, as per usual is second to none, a quality that Infected Mushroom are always known for. 'Vicious Delicious' sits somewhere between their usual brand of quirky psy trance and a rather awkward take on rock music - something that I'm having trouble trying to decide whether really works or not.
I think that I speak for a number of people when I say that we all saw it coming. Various psy trance artists have, for a long time nodded their head towards distorted power chord riffs and a whole multitude of rock type influences. The fact of the matter is that this album is great and crap in equal measures. I'll be honest in saying that I don't really see the point in writing a psy trance album thats contains tracks like 'Forgive Me' and 'In Front Of Me' and a whole technicolour universe of, frankly, lame male vocals. They should have done what they did with 'Converting Vegetarians' when they were experimenting with more downbeat type tracks - do a double CD.
Aside from that, on to the good points. The album goes someway to redeeming its indiscretions with the better tracks on here, namely the title track and the last three.
'Becoming Insane' bears all of the hallmarks of an awesome track, that is, until the vocal and flamenco guitars appear. I'm not sure quite what possessed them to go down that route, but then again, I didn't write it.
'Vicious Delicious' (the track) is one of the highlights of the album. It's a great example of what I've come to know and love from these guys. An ever-evolving groovy yet intense slab of psychedelic perfection full of the kind of quirky and clever programming that Infected Mushroom have become synonymous with. This track itself gets 10/10.
'Eat It Raw' is great example of a warm, analogue sounding Infected Mushroom track; it sounds like something from an earlier album but slammed well and truly up to date. Very nice indeed.
'Before' has some absolutely beautiful synth lines in it - a shining example of Infected Mushroom at their very best. This is just the thing I've loved about tracks on previous albums. This particular track reminds me of 'Yanko Pitch' on 'Converting Vegetarians'. Truly something to get lost in.
All in all, the proper trance is spine tingling but let down by tracks that just don't fit on the album. It's not that they're not good tracks, it's just that they don't sit well between the upbeat rhythms of the rest of the album.
I've always retained a soft spot for Infected Mushroom and probably always will. When they're good, they're f***ing amazing and because of that, I could never totally slate one of their albums. I understand that there will always be a need to be totally original but I think the jury is still out on this one.
Tracklisting
1. Becoming Insane
2. Artillery
3. Vicious Delicious
4. Heavyweight
5. Suliman
6. Forgive Me
7. Special Place
8. In Front Of Me
9. Eat It Raw
10. Change The Formality
11. Before
Rating: 
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The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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