James Lavelle has made a triumphant follow up to his 2002 GU debut. After spending a year in the studio with the newly formed UNKLE, Lavelle’s tour schedule in Romania served for the inspiration for this latest Global Underground Release. James Lavelle brought us a mixture that’s as unique as the man himself. With masterful cuts, blends and fades Lavelle brings us and eclectic mix of his self produced tracks, remixes, and tracks from his favorite producers. Just as a warning this is not your normal beat matched and go, same tempo, mixed album. James Lavelle has kept it interesting with providing us an array of sounds from break beats to progressive and from house to hip hop. As an extra bonus you get UNKLE tracks and remixes including Queens of the Stone Age, Ian Brown, and DJ Shadow Global Underground #26 Romania was born in the heart of 'Studio Martin' club in Bucharest. The vibe of Romania, a still thriving dance scene comes through the speakers as the sounds of sirens scream forth as we wonder what is about to hit us, “No One Knows.” The first CD starts off at a hard break pace and quickly slows down so that everyone can catch up for what is coming next. James Lavelle brings the progression back up with more break beats and driving bass lines, and finally bringing it back down with the melodic ballad “Run Into Flowers” by M83. Disk two starts off with some dark minimalist beats before he takes us on a tour of electric, funky, progressive and nu skool Breaks. As James Lavelle has shown us before he likes to keep his albums enjoyable and surprising. This is no different as he shifts gears into progressive quirky house. At the end James Lavelle brings closure to the trip with UNKLE – “In a State (Sasha Remix)” All together James Lavelle has brought to the table what he as always brought to the tables. A Unique, eclectic, unpredictable style of dance music that can be enjoyed by just about everyone is how James Lavelle has made his mark and this album is no different. The Global Underground crew has picked a perfect way to start off their new year and with this album to be released in March 2004 it will make a great summer album to pick up. Five out of Five Globes