FOUNDATIONS GRANITE is the latest from Bedrock, the label , being issued domestically by the Pioneer label (best known for their electronics). The 9 song unmixed compilation highlights the stellar tracks coming from the UK progressive house label run by superjock John Digweed and studio wizard Nick Muir. Each track expounds on the Bedrock formula of slow, deep and funky. Some tracks like Jimmy Van M's "Sanctuary" or Bedrock's "Beautiful Strange" lean more toward the trancier elements of the progressive house spectrum while tracks from Oko Tek and Tijuana owe more to the spacy tribal house of New York City. Being an unmixed CD FOUNDATIONS GRANITE is suitable for home stereo listening giving the listener a chance to sit back and let the nine lengthy tracks unwind. Each is a surprising mini symphony confined within a 4/4 house beat without ever being restricted in creativity or cheesy dance music clichés. FOUNDATIONS GRANITE is great addition to any fans' Sasha and Digweed collection but may also be a surprise hit among the bored and disaffected looking for something new and good.

by Sean-Michael Yoder Grade: A