In the Møde

Roni Size/Reprazant includes: Dynamite MC, Onallee, (vocals); Alex Byron-Collins (piano); Max Richter (string synthesizer); Si John, Joe Allen (bass); Rob Merrill (drums); Spry (percussion).
Additional personnel: Method Man, Rahzel, Zack De La Rocha (rap vocals); Ben Watt (guitar).
Producers: Roni Size, Krust, Die.
Engineers: Roni Size, Dave Amso, Dynamite MC.
Recorded at Channel House and Studio Drum, Bristol, England.
Roni Size's breakout full-length NEW FORMS signaled the maturation of drum-and-bass beyond sound-system culture and its emergence into the general popular-music consciousness. The album received lukewarm praise from drum-and-bass's more hard-bitten fans, but heralded newfound interest and industry buzz, capturing Britain's Mercury prize. As drum-and-bass becomes increasingly myopic, locked into a stylistic holding pattern, Size continues exploring hybridized modes and the harder-edged sounds favored by DJs.
IN THE MODE shifts the focus from NEW FORMS' lush, expansive electronica into a darker hardcore hip-hop sound. Indeed, much of the album seems indebted to some of the rougher sounds currently coming out of the Dirty South. "Who Told You?" features menacing rap and claustrophobic breaks in seriously odd time signatures. The hip-hop influence extends to guest appearances by Method Man and Rhazel. "Centre of the Storm" notably features a biting rap from Rage Against The Machine's Zack De La and bleak, industrial-sounding breaks. IN THE MODE is an interesting, informed fusion--an indication that Size is evolving and updating his sound.