Artist: Influenza
Title: Panic Room
Label: Electrofly Records
By: Simon Jones | 9 June 2004
Tracklist:

• A: Original Mix
• B: Transformer Man Mix

Influenza "Panic Room"

Electrofly's connection with Canada has already seen artists such as Shiloh and Streetdegree make their respective debuts on the label, and now the duo of Oddmud and Psidream are set to join them with this release as Influenza. 'Panic Room' is the latest release from this outfit whom have also released material on Pure Phuink and Sponge in recent months, with the remix coming from the excellent Transformer Man who has been making major inroads within the breaks scene over the past few months.

Influenza's 'Original Mix' sees them get down to things straight away, with a solid bassline and delayed kick drums setting the pace for what is to come, taking a more reclined approach that serves it's spacious sound greatly. Minimal sounds and hooks and some moody sub bass bubble nicely, with a spooky harmony creeping in during the centre where the meta morphs into a futuristic jaunt through nu skool breaks, whilst some rapid drum patterns ensure the floor will be rocking out with their heads down by the time all is said and done.

'Transformer Man' provides an acidic interpretation on the flip which although on a slightly more restrained foundation than fans of his previous work might be familiar with, still manages to stake it's claim with relative ease. This is thanks largely, to some excellent electronic synths and elements and a large dose of analogue action that brings a dirty, gritty edge to the overall mix.

Whilst not quite up there with some of the other releases on the label, once again Electrofly do not disappoint, each release taking the label into different directions, whilst bringing old and new faces together to produce some of the best in breaks at the moment. Little surprise considering the label nominated for Best Newcomer at the recent Breakspoll, and if it continues with it's current form, expect the label to make a serious impact throughout the latter half of the year and into 2005.