Bloom
Gabriel & Dresden'sBloomisn't hugely different from any other post-trance, Global Underground-school dance record. But these two well-known producers (from their work withBritney Spears,Annie Lennox, and others) reach outside the usual thumps to provide bursts of electro-synth and organic, funk-based rhythms. The first disc in the 2-disc set starts strong with the brilliant, self-produced "Arcadia," but gets lazy occasionally (please not another cheesySarah McLachlanremix!).Depeche Modefans might be annoyed that G&D; felt it necessary to spin a version of "Here Is the House" (by Andain) that replaces Dave Gahan with diva vocals (or maybe they just couldn't get the rights?). Disc 2 bounces back with "Athena," a blissful head-bobber that makes life seem bright and lovely. Later, against all odds, the duo finds new depth in the endlessly remixedDido("Don't Leave Home"). It's the next track though--the squishy and sublime "Sub" from Bigtop--that really gives the dance floor something meaty to chew on. It's a beautiful thing when progressive house at least tries to be truly progressive. --Matthew Cooke