In 1994 Laika broke ground with the frantic Silver Apples of the Moon. They built layer upon layer of samples over organic, proto-drum ‘n’ bass riddims that left Margaret Fiedler’s former band Moonshake (now under Callahan’s direction) in the dust. Ironically, on 1995’s Dirty & Divine, Moonshake copied Laika’s style somewhat in order to stay relevant. With this album, Fiedler and former Moonshake engineer Guy Fixsen shows who’s really on top by simplifying their formula into a cooler, sexier simmer. It was the perfect soundtrack for late-night summer mashing. Unfortunately, few got to hear it last summer because it was only available as an expensive import on the U.K. label, Too Pure. But fear not, it is now available domestically. I suspect it will be just as effective for those sensual winter nights.
