Ape To Angel

After three years of living on opposite sides of the planet the New Zealand duo known as Pitch Black (Paddy Free and Michael Hodgson) return with their latest instalment of electronica infused dub. Album number three (four if you include the remix album Electric Earth & Other Elements) fuses elements of both Future Proof and Electronomicon (the propulsive nature of the former and depth of the latter), as well as last years Flex EP, while their numerous live escapades throughout the UK and Europe also influence the live nature of Pitch Black has become an integral part of the recording process and sound. For the first time the duo are using a vocalist, Sandy Mills (she has contributed to tracks by the likes of Gary Numan, Placebo and Basement Jaxx), on two songs, Freefall and Elements Turn, which in turn also adds to the more expansive sound found on Ape To Angel. Steadily evolving into one of New Zealands top dance/electronica acts, Pitch Black have delivered a delicious mind expanding work, taking their original dub-influenced work and driving it deeper, harder and farther than ever before. Recommended.