Counter Intelligence, one of 2005’s fresh crop of forward-thinking Drum & Bass labels, has been steadily getting the lead out in the Netherlands. Their trademark is refreshingly original A&R clothed in some of the best sleeve artwork around. On this one, label head John Doe takes a chance on two virtually unknown producers. “Nutcase” is the more distinctive side with a clean, minimal, anything-goes cacaphony reminiscent of Polar. Unfortunately it suffers from overpacking; the first couple minutes are deliciously meaty but Dak continues to cram in new sounds to the point of disorientation (or considering the title, is that the point?) Infuse’s “Observer” is the stronger side and a quality pick for DJs with a story to tell. Rich, full breaks support an unusual narrative arc that slopes gracefully from menacing darkness down to warm ambiance. Recommended for any set that can make use of such a transition.

www.counterintelligence.nl