Human Energy CD

In the three years since the release of his last full-length as Machinedrum, Vapor City, Travis Stewart seems to have done some soul-searching. Whereas that set was a punchy and occasionally punishing mixture of juke, D&B, and UK garage sounds, Human Energy looks towards new age sounds and ideas for inspiration. Of course, Stewart hasn't completely abandoned skittish rhythms and bass music influences, it's just that these come wrapped in cheery, off-kilter synthesizer melodies, sparkling electronic flourishes, and repeated nods towards ambient, R&B and experimental synth-pop. As a result, it's a hugely entertaining and imaginative set, with just enough club-ready fodder to keep DJs happy.