dba – Bubble

Description

Bubble is an album by the British techno band dba (formerly known as 65dBA), released on Orange in 1996, marketed and distributed in Europe and the UK by Alliance Music. The album was recorded by Robin Knox at City Studios in Bristol, England; with band member Robbie Bronnimann and Ray Goudie producing for Ultra Music (the latter of Unity and Heartbeat fame). Mixed by Richard George at City Studios. Tracks 1-9 co-written by Ray Goudie and Robbie Bronnimann except track 6, a Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic.

Featuring vocals by Shaz Sparks and Robbie Bronnimann with the latter also providing programming. Additional vocals provided by BCC Choir.

Anyone who can write a dance album encompassing a subject most associated with the New Age whilst restraining all religious sensibilities deserves a hug, so it’s arms open to dBA for their space-theme album, ‘Bubble’. Granted, at first it all seems a little bizarre but dBA don’t take themselves totally seriously and it’s this fun factor that enables the listener to understand and learn from what these guys are really trying to say. And that’s a big plus in my book. Where the sound is concerned, it’s mostly upbeat Euro-house with a smattering of diversions into club-style anthems and harder-edged techno here and there to keep it all fresh. Indeed, many of the songs wouldn’t sound out of place on your average radio station, which is a compliment (I think!). But seriously, good though the innovative and toe-tapping music undoubtedly is, it mostly serves as a way of getting the lyrical message across and that’s the way dBA would like it to be. With lines like “I’m falling in love/ With the Spirit like a dove” and “I’m so in love with you/ I’m so in love with all the things you do” clearly directed heavenward, there’s bags of meaningful songs for alternative worshippers to paw over, particularly with the worship song «3-D», which gets my vote for the best Christian dance song so far this year. Overall, a well executed exploration into relatively uncharted waters that comes off virtually unscathed. [Dave Drodge, Cross Rhythms, June 1996]

CD tracklist:

01. Spiritual Woman
02. Time (The Sound Of Music Mix)
03. Universe
04. Reason Why
05. Rhythms Of Grace
06. I Say A Little Prayer
07. Planet Love
08. Kiss The Sky (The Up & Away Mix)
09. 3-D
10. Questionmark (The Guessing Game Mix)
11. Universe (The Gabbering Ravey Davey Mix)

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Orange.