Darude

Too often, a producer whose first single is a worldwide smash must quickly follow it up with an entire album, usually composed of similar but mediocre tracks. Surprisingly, Finland's Darude has managed to avoid this trap. His trance smash "Sandstorm" took the world by storm in 2000 and ushered in a new brand of snare roll-driven, acid-tinged trance. It's included of course, as well as a few copies of same, which include very similar acid noises. But there are also other quality tracks, like "Drums of New York" and "Out of Control," which have a great tribal pulse to them. So, colour me pleasantly surprised, this album has quality and variety.