Hospital Records is well known for being one of the best labels in drum & bass, particularly when it comes to the jazzy end of the spectrum. The label is also well known for putting out some excellent compilation albums, and their latest offering, ‘The Future Sound of Tokyo’, is a CD that won’t do any damage to their strong reputation. As the title suggests, there is a very strong Japanese influence throughout the album, as many of the artists are Japanese and Japanese vocals are a highlight feature.

The word “future” goes hand in hand with the name “Tokyo,” and when the two are put together the imagination is given a license to run wild. In recent years Japan has caught the drum & bass bug with artists, DJs and club nights springing up everywhere. Hospital Records have recognised this and they have accordingly released an unmixed CD to capture the rising spirit of the Japanese scene. Every track across this compilation is energetic, just like every facet of life in another of the world’s cities that doesn’t sleep. As one might expect from Hospital Records, many of the tunes are cruisy, funky and uplifting. If you are getting ready to go out to your favourite D&B night, this CD is perfect for getting your pulse racing without overdoing it. Having said that, this is a CD that is great for the headphones (provided that you have a quality pair of cans) as it is possible to catch a lot more of the more subtle instrumentation featured on each track.

The opening trackl T-Ak’s ‘What I am Talking About’ gets the ball rolling in true bad boy jungle style. This is filthy, dirty and funky D&B at its best. Along with a fat bassline and a hip-swinging beat, the listener is treated to a frantic flute sample. Pentagon have provided the next highlight tune which is entitled; ‘Summer of 73’. Once again this is a beautifully funky tune but this time the “in your face” factor gives way to a much cruisier mood. The jazz organ is a defining feature within this tune. London Electrikity are on hand to give ‘The Future Sound of Tokyo’ a double injection of jungle and R&B with their tune ‘Rewind’. The combination works like a treat to say the very least. The warm jungle beat and bassline of this track by itself is satisfying enough but what makes this tune special is its jazzy vocal. ‘Accelerate’ by Sonic & BS9 follows straight on from ‘Rewind’, a good stereo or pair of headphones is needed to get the most out of this track as its bassline is a thumper, while the percussion (which is made from real drum sounds) will have any drum & bass fan drooling uncontrollably. When the track is listened to closely, it becomes evident that it features the best audio production of any track on the album.

Akira, whose name is the same as that of a famous Manga animation, provides another up-tempo jazz number called ‘Expedition’. The tune is jazzy, percussive, progressive and downright brilliant. The opening bars are not overly suggestive as to where the tune might head, which is a good thing. As the introduction progresses; jazzy organs, synths, bongo drums, sound effects and vocal “woo’s” are inserted to create a chaotic and funky piece of music that certainly befits the “Future” part of ‘The Future Sound of Tokyo’. Unmixed compilations are great as they provide a breath of fresh air for the casual observer or the avid fan alike, while the digital DJ has an opportunity to access tracks which might otherwise require purchase through a digital record store. The compilation could have been mixed as no track would seem out of place in a set if it were well constructed, however Hospital Records have done the right thing by its fans on this occasion. The uber cruisy yet somehow energetic ‘Change’ by Akira vs. T-Ak and Ellie is a track which could easily fit into the first part of a jump-up D&B DJ’s set, or as a high point of a liquid DJs performance. T-Ak and Ellie are at it again as they provide another highlight track; ‘Enishi’, which truly befits both the “Future” and “Tokyo” elements of the compilation’s name. The track features forward thinking sound effects, a thumping percussion and an energetic vocal (sung in Japanese) which are all elements that are coupled with a staple jungle bassline to create an instant party classic. The closing track; ‘Ocean Air’ by T-4k and Ellie provides one last touch of liquid funk brilliance. A verbal description simply cannot do justice to the forward thinking, futuristic, robotic and funky nature of this tune.

‘The Future Sound of Tokyo’ by Hospital Records is a must have for any drum & bass and jungle fan. It will restore any (unfounded) fears that the sound is going stale, it will appeal to those who enjoy the harder and softer ends of the sound, it will fit in very nicely with a digital DJs CD wallet and best of all the album is perfect for any occasion.