Chemlab (singer
Jared Louche, programmer
Dylan Thomas More and a changing cast of supporting musicians) started out as an aggressive, but not overpoweringly so, electro-dance outfit. This digitally remastered reissue of the band's debut album reveals a group lurching toward tightly controlled sonic pandemonium while still maintaining a firm grip on old-fashioned, blippy, synth riffs and the occasional shred of actual melody. Charming song titles like "Codeine, Glue and You" and "Summer of Hate" will give the faint of heart fair warning; those who don't mind a little aggro-nihilism with their dance beats will know just what to expect. Highlights include the nicely arranged "Neurozone" and the very heavy "Suicide Jag." This reissue also includes remixes of "Chemical Halo" and "Suicide Jag." ~ Rick Anderson