Way Out West

I've listened to this CD non-stop in my car for the past 4 months. And I have still yet to grow sick of this CD. With most CDs, the novelty wears off and it's impossible to listen to the CD without rotation. It's such a different CD than Intensify--- dare I say more radio-friendly?

While there are a few vocal tracks on this CD, I don't think it detracts at all from Way out West's reputation for producing quality house music. With a good interjection of groovable non-vocal tunes like Killa, Northern Lights, Apollo, and Chasing Rainbows it definitely helps to offset the flavorful Don't Forget Me, Just Like a Man, and Melt.

If you loved Intensify, there's no question you'll love Don't Look Now. It's a more mature effort and it really sets the bar high for WOW's as an artist that will be difficult to beat.

The 2nd CD is definitely more like house music and has a more underground flavour. The vocal tracks are far and few, and while many might be tempted to ignore it-- it's really a nice gem they've put together. Tracks like WOW's own Pulse of Life and Gold Is Your Metal.

CD 1 is well-worth the pricetag alone. But CD2 is a nice gem they've added in.

I'm a huge electronic music lover and have listened to just about all the major electronic artists. I grew tired of a lot that was coming out into the scene. But WOW has always been producing inventive tracks and music, and I'm definitely looking forward to their next effort.

Having become a "real band" - employing a singer and drummer - during the production of many of the tracks on this album, Way Out West often show a different, more contemplative side to their music. Of course, the storming prog house and breaks for which they are best known remains, though this is only one side of this album of great depth and longevity.

Beginning with the tight kicks of the vocal-led "Anything But You", and moving into the slow and emotional "Don't Forget Me" (which although one of the weaker tracks on the album, has a tremendous set of remixes that are well worth checking out), WoW move into more familiar prog territory, with three consecutive instrumental tracks. "Everyday" features a house kick with a great piano melody, "Apollo" is a space-age breaks laden track with enough energy and melody to please any Way Out West fan, and "Chasing Rainbows" is a slower instrumental track with a great build. The next track, "Fear" kicks off with a fierce drum intro which builds and builds, and makes you wish for Omi's vocals to return. Well, in fact, they do. At the end of the build comes a huge breakdown where Omi sings, "Looked into my soul, and found no limits" - you have to listen to this album to believe how good it feels when that break hits you. "Apollo" and "Fear" are my two favourite tracks, although this album is nothing if not going to appreciated as much unless listened to from start to finish.
The two next tracks "Coming Home" and "Just Like A Man" are slow and vocal-led, but not to be categorised under 'filler', before leading into "Killa", a prog house track with an enormously (but not overly) long intro, before kicking into tribal chanting and bongo madness.
"Northern Lights", the collaboration with Ulrich Schnauss (he of "Far Away Trains..." fame) is a chilly melodic breaks track, at a pace slow enough to let you recover from the madness of the last track, before more tight breaks with a vocal, "Melt" put you into a dream state which will continue onto "Absinthe Dreams", which while melodic and dreamy, also has a nightmarish quality - those who know the source of the main sample (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) will agree, which is the perfect end to a glorious album.

But wait! There are two discs!!!
Yes, and although I'm not about to review disc two, I will say that this is one of the best prog mix CD's I have listened to in a very long time - not as good as disc 1, but still worth the admission price alone.

So WoW show they have aged and matured into an act capable of taking on the road, and released a great album. But I just want to know when their next one is coming out!!!

This album is not on the level as Way Out West's self titled album, but it is well composed and overall a quality album (CD1). W.O.W. use a lot of female vocal work in the tracks on this album. A couple of the tracks are enhanced by the vocal work, but most are deflated by the plain, steryotypical, overdone, and superficial lyrics which is a shame becuase most of the musical composition is very well done. I think people that are into the club scene or have a significant other that is into more "feminine" electronica would really enjoy the album.

The songs do tend to take on a "sameness" because of the heavy use of VAs, Romplers, and heavy filter use. Some analog synth work would have helped make the sound of the tracks more lively and diverse. The drum work is excellent as always.

CD2 is a progressive mix. I'm not much into the style so my opinion will be biased. I'm sure there are many people that would think it is great, but I found it to be too soft.

It's a good stuff, typical Nick Waren's cooking. Sound of the album is no different, than it was on their first CD four years ago. Do not miss Warren's new "Shanghai" album - out july 12th, I heard a promo - it rocks!!!

I was skeptical when I first picked up this cd (my first experience with way out west) but was pleased after a few listens. I was drawn to this album after hearing the radio-ready first track, and though I tired of it fairly quickly I found there was much to be discovered on the rest of the album. Way out west is superbly fine-tuned original techno, the kind that's hard to find in a sea of DJ mixes and traditional compilations. The first cd is addictive and grows on you quickly... Lots of heavy emotion and drama, and great vocals though most tracks are instrumental. The beats are heavy but crisp, and the noises are creative and varied, keeping you interested throughout the journey.

The Gift is one of those classic anthems that evokes great memories when you pop it in your CD player after not having listened to it in awhile. A nice gem in the single is "Be As One" with Sasha and Maria that's perfectly included. Way out West is such an inventive group and this was a great single for a pretty good first album. Definitely on the top 3 list of my favourite WOW songs. The Gift contains a sample of Joanna Law's song "First Time I Saw Your Face."

just heard this track in Nick Warren's JustMusic set - Feb '06. as the previous poster said, it is truly a classic that has not aged - sounds just as fresh now as it did then. and it brings back great memories from my younger clubbin dayz. if you've got this track laying around on an old CD, do yourself a favor and dig it up!

This songs is one of the all time classics in electronic music. Nick Warren and Jody Westerhoff at their best.

If this is the music of tomorrow, then I guess I'd be better off listening to a dripping faucet.

Most songs consist of beating one idea into the ground, or in the case of several of the 'versions' of them, one idea into the ground for 'Part I', into the subsoil for 'Part 2', and into the bedrock for the 'vocal mix'.

Way Out West will never be confused with Brian Eno or Philip Glass, and this CD will never be confused with 'Music for Airports' or 'Einstein on the Beach'.

Though not their first release, this was the first WOW album i obtained, and it's a great point of introduction for anyone interested in learning more of what drives electronic dance music. The production is top-notch, the beats are varied and persistent, and the shifting atmospheres make for a very enjoyable listen, whether it be in your car (i highly recommend this for latenight drives!) or on the dancefloor.
"The Fall", "Activity" and "Call Me" lead off the disc with lots of energy, which persists almost throughout the remainder. Only "Mindcircus" and "Intensify Part 2" slow things down a tad, but are strong vocal numbers that give your legs a well-deserved break from tapping. "UB Devoid" and "Intensify Part 1" will appeal to fans of hard trance, although WOW aren't a one trick pony...there are bits of house, breaks, ang good old fashioned rock structures in the mix. As a big fan of electronic dance music, i was very impressed with the bar set by "Intensify". In my opinion, it's Way Out West's best release.

When I first got Way Out West's "Don't Look Now" I was disturbed by the overall feminine touch, though it grew on me quickly and I discovered the album's inner greatness. On this release, I was more instantly gratified. Though the feminine touch is still present on a couple of tracks, the overall album is more upbeat and hard-hitting in comparison. The sounds are fine-tuned and hi-tech, with lots of fluid and well-layered production. Every now and then a piano or exotic flute shines through for an ethereal moment. Great Album... especially "Sharkhunt," "Secret," "Mindcircus" and "Activity". Fans of Hybrid, Sandra Collins, Deepsky, etc. won't be disappointed

I am not impressed with this album. I had heard an excerpt of 'Mindcircus' on iTunes, and had imagined that the song in its entirety would be massive. On the contrary, cheesy female vocals interlock a repetitive (if otherwise decent and catchy) piano hook. The use of middle-Eastern inspired tunes on 'Secret' is also very uninspired, and midway through the song the beat changes in a way that makes me really just want to stop dancing and put on something cheesier, as long as it had a tighter beat.

Very upsetting. This is not an album I would recommend.

In this album, Way out West bring their great progressive trance sound to us in a way that is slightly mixed, yet slightly not. The opening track is inspiring and memorable and the rest of the album just builds from its beginning. Truly a must for any trance-addict's collection. Buy it...you won't be disappointed.

If this is the music of tomorrow, then I guess I'd be better off listening to a dripping faucet.

Most songs consist of beating one idea into the ground, or in the case of several of the 'versions' of them, one idea into the ground for 'Part I', into the subsoil for 'Part 2', and into the bedrock for the 'vocal mix'.

Way Out West will never be confused with Brian Eno or Philip Glass, and this CD will never be confused with 'Music for Airports' or 'Einstein on the Beach'.

Though not their first release, this was the first WOW album i obtained, and it's a great point of introduction for anyone interested in learning more of what drives electronic dance music. The production is top-notch, the beats are varied and persistent, and the shifting atmospheres make for a very enjoyable listen, whether it be in your car (i highly recommend this for latenight drives!) or on the dancefloor.
"The Fall", "Activity" and "Call Me" lead off the disc with lots of energy, which persists almost throughout the remainder. Only "Mindcircus" and "Intensify Part 2" slow things down a tad, but are strong vocal numbers that give your legs a well-deserved break from tapping. "UB Devoid" and "Intensify Part 1" will appeal to fans of hard trance, although WOW aren't a one trick pony...there are bits of house, breaks, ang good old fashioned rock structures in the mix. As a big fan of electronic dance music, i was very impressed with the bar set by "Intensify". In my opinion, it's Way Out West's best release.

When I first got Way Out West's "Don't Look Now" I was disturbed by the overall feminine touch, though it grew on me quickly and I discovered the album's inner greatness. On this release, I was more instantly gratified. Though the feminine touch is still present on a couple of tracks, the overall album is more upbeat and hard-hitting in comparison. The sounds are fine-tuned and hi-tech, with lots of fluid and well-layered production. Every now and then a piano or exotic flute shines through for an ethereal moment. Great Album... especially "Sharkhunt," "Secret," "Mindcircus" and "Activity". Fans of Hybrid, Sandra Collins, Deepsky, etc. won't be disappointed

I am not impressed with this album. I had heard an excerpt of 'Mindcircus' on iTunes, and had imagined that the song in its entirety would be massive. On the contrary, cheesy female vocals interlock a repetitive (if otherwise decent and catchy) piano hook. The use of middle-Eastern inspired tunes on 'Secret' is also very uninspired, and midway through the song the beat changes in a way that makes me really just want to stop dancing and put on something cheesier, as long as it had a tighter beat.

Very upsetting. This is not an album I would recommend.

In this album, Way out West bring their great progressive trance sound to us in a way that is slightly mixed, yet slightly not. The opening track is inspiring and memorable and the rest of the album just builds from its beginning. Truly a must for any trance-addict's collection. Buy it...you won't be disappointed.

A superb album of thundering bass, inspiring creativity, lush vocals and that classic Way Out West sound...

Highly Recommended!!!

Gosh, I feel like such a homer, but I'm going to have to give this album it's first 4-star rating. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic first effort and when you look at Intensify and Don't Look Now, this album shows the direction that this creative duo was going to approach.
Tracks like the Gift, Domination, Dancehall Tornado, and Sequoia are groovable tunes with certain subtle melodies that demand multiple listens. However, there were certain tracks like Ajare, King of the Funk, and Drive By that just didn't do it for me. There's also a little bit more sampling than I'd prefer, but that's just a higher standard expected because we all know what Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff were capable of years later. Anyways, it's a fine first effort and as several reviewers have mentioned already, this album is worth the expense alone because of its full version of "The Gift."

this album is just worth getting for one song--The Gift. the album is great, don't get me wrong, but if youre reading this review its probably because you have heard of way out west before. youll get the original mix of The Gift in this c.d. a totally awesome song that mixes the beauty of the female vocals as well as the brightest and most energetic sounds that youve ever heard.

Way out West's eponymously titled debut album is an unsung gem of electronic dance music. Some of the tracks on this album date as far back as '94 ("Ajare"), but their timelessness shines through as they have aged well. Predominately a more sample-based and instrumental album, the majority of the tracks are introspective and require focused listening. Otherwise, one can miss the complexities lying underneath. That's not to say the album can't be enjoyed without taking notice of the said polymorphic layers. On the contraire, it can be enjoyed in almost any state of mind, as it has varying tempos and moods. It offers a hearty serving of trip hop, ambient, breakbeat, progressive house and trance, all served up on one delectable platter. Don't walk, run before it's too late and the last copy is sold. And look out for wow's new album forthcoming "Intensify" on Distinctive Records this summer (2001)!

This album symply rocks, and continues to rock after the thousandth time. It... you in like some sort of melodic journey. Way Out West stands alone in its own field, with its closest neighbours being Orbital or Ku-ling Bros.

This album is actually tiled "Blue", which is the first track in the album. It had a beautiful video clip with it, starring Harry Dean Stanton in a minor role. I got it in Berlin, but never saw it in the US. The whole album starts rather melancholic, but then brightens up toward the end, and the whole thing is sort of techno dance type of music, but it has depth, even when it is up-tempo and bright. I can't really think of any other like this, but I highly reccoment it.

I've listened to this CD non-stop in my car for the past 4 months. And I have still yet to grow sick of this CD. With most CDs, the novelty wears off and it's impossible to listen to the CD without rotation. It's such a different CD than Intensify--- dare I say more radio-friendly?

While there are a few vocal tracks on this CD, I don't think it detracts at all from Way out West's reputation for producing quality house music. With a good interjection of groovable non-vocal tunes like Killa, Northern Lights, Apollo, and Chasing Rainbows it definitely helps to offset the flavorful Don't Forget Me, Just Like a Man, and Melt.

If you loved Intensify, there's no question you'll love Don't Look Now. It's a more mature effort and it really sets the bar high for WOW's as an artist that will be difficult to beat.

The 2nd CD is definitely more like house music and has a more underground flavour. The vocal tracks are far and few, and while many might be tempted to ignore it-- it's really a nice gem they've put together. Tracks like WOW's own Pulse of Life and Gold Is Your Metal.

CD 1 is well-worth the pricetag alone. But CD2 is a nice gem they've added in.

I'm a huge electronic music lover and have listened to just about all the major electronic artists. I grew tired of a lot that was coming out into the scene. But WOW has always been producing inventive tracks and music, and I'm definitely looking forward to their next effort.

Having become a "real band" - employing a singer and drummer - during the production of many of the tracks on this album, Way Out West often show a different, more contemplative side to their music. Of course, the storming prog house and breaks for which they are best known remains, though this is only one side of this album of great depth and longevity.

Beginning with the tight kicks of the vocal-led "Anything But You", and moving into the slow and emotional "Don't Forget Me" (which although one of the weaker tracks on the album, has a tremendous set of remixes that are well worth checking out), WoW move into more familiar prog territory, with three consecutive instrumental tracks. "Everyday" features a house kick with a great piano melody, "Apollo" is a space-age breaks laden track with enough energy and melody to please any Way Out West fan, and "Chasing Rainbows" is a slower instrumental track with a great build. The next track, "Fear" kicks off with a fierce drum intro which builds and builds, and makes you wish for Omi's vocals to return. Well, in fact, they do. At the end of the build comes a huge breakdown where Omi sings, "Looked into my soul, and found no limits" - you have to listen to this album to believe how good it feels when that break hits you. "Apollo" and "Fear" are my two favourite tracks, although this album is nothing if not going to appreciated as much unless listened to from start to finish.
The two next tracks "Coming Home" and "Just Like A Man" are slow and vocal-led, but not to be categorised under 'filler', before leading into "Killa", a prog house track with an enormously (but not overly) long intro, before kicking into tribal chanting and bongo madness.
"Northern Lights", the collaboration with Ulrich Schnauss (he of "Far Away Trains..." fame) is a chilly melodic breaks track, at a pace slow enough to let you recover from the madness of the last track, before more tight breaks with a vocal, "Melt" put you into a dream state which will continue onto "Absinthe Dreams", which while melodic and dreamy, also has a nightmarish quality - those who know the source of the main sample (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) will agree, which is the perfect end to a glorious album.

But wait! There are two discs!!!
Yes, and although I'm not about to review disc two, I will say that this is one of the best prog mix CD's I have listened to in a very long time - not as good as disc 1, but still worth the admission price alone.

So WoW show they have aged and matured into an act capable of taking on the road, and released a great album. But I just want to know when their next one is coming out!!!

This album is not on the level as Way Out West's self titled album, but it is well composed and overall a quality album (CD1). W.O.W. use a lot of female vocal work in the tracks on this album. A couple of the tracks are enhanced by the vocal work, but most are deflated by the plain, steryotypical, overdone, and superficial lyrics which is a shame becuase most of the musical composition is very well done. I think people that are into the club scene or have a significant other that is into more "feminine" electronica would really enjoy the album.

The songs do tend to take on a "sameness" because of the heavy use of VAs, Romplers, and heavy filter use. Some analog synth work would have helped make the sound of the tracks more lively and diverse. The drum work is excellent as always.

CD2 is a progressive mix. I'm not much into the style so my opinion will be biased. I'm sure there are many people that would think it is great, but I found it to be too soft.

It's a good stuff, typical Nick Waren's cooking. Sound of the album is no different, than it was on their first CD four years ago. Do not miss Warren's new "Shanghai" album - out july 12th, I heard a promo - it rocks!!!

I was skeptical when I first picked up this cd (my first experience with way out west) but was pleased after a few listens. I was drawn to this album after hearing the radio-ready first track, and though I tired of it fairly quickly I found there was much to be discovered on the rest of the album. Way out west is superbly fine-tuned original techno, the kind that's hard to find in a sea of DJ mixes and traditional compilations. The first cd is addictive and grows on you quickly... Lots of heavy emotion and drama, and great vocals though most tracks are instrumental. The beats are heavy but crisp, and the noises are creative and varied, keeping you interested throughout the journey.

Way Out West is not, and has NEVER BEEN, a "drum and bass type group". They have ALWAYS made only trance/house releases. WOW is composed of Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff and they have composed some of the greatest tracks to date, such as "The Gift", "The Fall", "Ajare", "Intensify", etc.

Get your facts straight..