Beat the System

by Dean CarlsonSteaming ahead into nu breaks, Aquasky and Masterblaster released Beat the System, a glossy and somewhat low-key and soulful alternative to the heaving rattle of their peers. "Thru the Fire" was a bit dull and aged in its conservative production, but guest vocalist Billie Godfrey arced her way through like someone dancing between raindrops, while "All in Check" and "Loko," both using the Ragga Twins to great effect, were basically brutal breakbeat garage cuts tangentially tied back to a halted 4/4 throb. [A second disc was also included, featuring a 15-track highlight reel of Aquasky's Passenger label].