Soul Trader

From URB Magazine
It’s easy to think of nu-skool breaks as the bastard evolution of dark drum & bass, where warped bass lines and moody synths simply play at 135 BPM instead of 170. But ILS adds an unexpected airiness to the genre, whipping up a meringue of vocals and sky-high snares, brought back down to earth with weighty bass and the delicious boom-clack of the breakbeat. The 12 tracks on Soul Trader work well together, moving through various influences while containing the subtle nuances and keen ear for melody that ILS showed early on in his drum & bass productions for LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking Records. From the rousing rave smackdowns of "Are You Ready?" through the future jazz of "Western World" and the modern breaks-meets-blues of "No Soul," Soul Trader is a record whose cinematic sound is almost better absorbed through the home stereo than through the buzz of the dance floor bass bins. And within a genre so focused on the 12-inch single, that’s no mean feat.

Vivian Host

Product Description
Finally, Ils has arrived in the US. The highly anticipated SOUL TRADER was released on Adam Freeland's seminal marine Parade label in the UK. Mixer Magazined tagged it "best breaks album of 2002" and one of their top 20 albums overall. Now ILS offers up two remixes not released on the UK album for the debut US release. While it snarls with the best of them, the tracks on SOUL TRADER are warmer and more organic than most nu-skool breaks. The strings and drums are programmed with all the skill of a seasoned drum 'n' bass producer. Stunning vocals, undulating bass lines, 70s fusion snippets, and didgeridoos all accompany the darkish breaks and graceful strings that give it originality while keeping the dance floor alive. ILS (born Illian Walker) started his carrer cutting drum 'n' bass tunes for LTJ Bukem's Good lookin label. He then benefited from the expert tutelage of one of DJ shadow at James Lavelle's influential Mo 'Wax label during the U.N.K.L.E. era. Now, he's happy to put all that experience to use as an artist. "I just want to make music that the girls would want to feel sexy to," he concludes with a laugh. "I'm trying to make sexy music, but something that bites on the dance floor.." No problem there - the club smash "Next Level" exploded on the UK dance charts as well as becoming music for the national Orange mobil phone adverts. Remixes from illustrious artist High Contrast and evilnine also help prove that heads are definitely turning.

Soul Trader,Ils,Immergent,Club/Dance,Dance,Dance Music,Nu Breaks,Pop,Popular Music

Average customer rating: absolutely amazing Very Nice! ILS - Soul Trader

Soul Trader Ils Manufacturer: Immergent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bohemia Y4K Fabriclive.21 Fabriclive.08 Eargasm ASIN: B0000AGWLI Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

1. 6 Space (Next Level)
2. Are You Ready?
3. Prohibition
4. Only Way To survive
5. Find A Way
6. Western World
7. No Soul
8. Feel Alright
9. Kasmir
10. Music
11. Jackpot
12. Trapped
13. No Soul- High Contrast Mix Bonus track
14. Music- Evilnine Punk Rocks Mix Bonus track

Album Description

Finally, Ils has arrived in the US. The highly anticipated SOUL TRADER was released on Adam Freeland's seminal marine Parade label in the UK. Mixer Magazined tagged it "best breaks album of 2002" and one of their top 20 albums overall. Now ILS offers up two remixes not released on the UK album for the debut US release. While it snarls with the best of them, the tracks on SOUL TRADER are warmer and more organic than most nu-skool breaks. The strings and drums are programmed with all the skill of a seasoned drum 'n' bass producer. Stunning vocals, undulating bass lines, 70s fusion snippets, and didgeridoos all accompany the darkish breaks and graceful strings that give it originality while keeping the dance floor alive. ILS (born Illian Walker) started his carrer cutting drum 'n' bass tunes for LTJ Bukem's Good lookin label. He then benefited from the expert tutelage of one of DJ shadow at James Lavelle's influential Mo 'Wax label during the U.N.K.L.E. era. Now, he's happy to put all that experience to use as an artist. "I just want to make music that the girls would want to feel sexy to," he concludes with a laugh. "I'm trying to make sexy music, but something that bites on the dance floor.." No problem there - the club smash "Next Level" exploded on the UK dance charts as well as becoming music for the national Orange mobil phone adverts. Remixes from illustrious artist High Contrast and evilnine also help prove that heads are definitely turning.

Customer Reviews:

absolutely amazing.......2004-05-25

This is by far one of the best cds I've purchased in a long long time. If you're into electonic/techno music that doesn't just stay with one beat throughout the entire song, this is the album for you. The only word that comes to my mind to describe it is BRILLIANT!

Very Nice!.......2004-01-20

I love dark jazzy breakbeat. Every song on this album gives me chills. Probably one of my new favorite CD's.

ILS - Soul Trader.......2003-12-12

We all should jump for joy ILS has arrived here in the states, this album is a must have for all for numerous reasons but i'll list my favorites....the beats are made with expert percision as you would expect from Mr. Walker and his time spent with GLR and he takes you through a journey with the BASS only the way the uk can.....it gives you that warm-fuzzy. DJ's this is the stuff that's in everyone's crates and gets folks mov'in no matter what, if you don't think so...listen to an Adam Freeland set and you'll hear it. So YES, I would recommend this to all...play it often and loud(ya gotta love that bass).

Average customer rating: Solid breaks & beatz working towards jazz...

Soul Trader Ils Manufacturer: Marine Parade ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music ASIN: B000068PY5 Release Date: 2002-07-24

Tracks:

1. 6 Space ( Next Level)
2. Are You Ready ?
3. Prohibition
4. Only Way To Survive
5. Find A Way
6. Western World
7. No Soul
8. Feel Alright
9. Kashmir
10. Music
11. Jackpot
12. Trapped

Customer Reviews:

Solid breaks & beatz working towards jazz..........2002-10-03

An old Dn'B producer, Ils has put together a really enjoyable album. One of the tracks, "Next Level" is featured on Adam Freeland's 'On Tour' --but that's only the tip of the iceberg. While the album lags at a few points, the highlights make it very worthwhile. It's not pure breakbeat... it's decidedly a step evolved in terms of creativity and musicianship. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Soul Trader Ils Manufacturer: Immergent ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bohemia ASIN: B000BO0KRS Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

1. 6 Space (Next Level)
2. Are You Ready?
3. Prohibition
4. Only Way to Survive
5. Find a Way
6. Western World
7. No Soul
8. Feel Alright
9. Kashmir
10. Music
11. Jackpot
12. Trapped

Tracks:

1. 6 Space (Next Level) [5.1 Surround][Version]
2. Are You Ready? [5.1 Surround][Version]
3. Prohibition [5.1 Surround][Version]
4. Only Way to Survive [5.1 Surround][Version]
5. Find a Way [5.1 Surround][Version]
6. Western World [5.1 Surround][Version]
7. No Soul [5.1 Surround][Version]
8. Feel Alright [5.1 Surround][Version]
9. Kashmir [5.1 Surround][Version]
10. Music [5.1 Surround][Version]
11. Jackpot [5.1 Surround][Version]
12. Trapped [5.1 Surround][Version]
13. No Soul [DVD][*][Mix]
14. Music [DVD][*][Mix]
15. 6 Space (Next Level) [DVD]
16. Only Way to Survive [DVD]
17. No Soul [DVD]
18. Trapped [DVD]
19. Bonus Material [DVD][*]

Album Description

While it snarls with the best of them, the tracks on Soul Trader are warmer and more organic than most nu-school breaks. The stings and drums are programmed with all the skill of a seasoned drum `n' bass producer. Stunning vocals, undulating bass lines, 70's fusion snippets and didgeridoos all accompany the darkish breaks and graceful strings that give it originality while keeping the dance floor alive. Under the tutelage of one DJ Shadow at James Lavelle's influential Mo'Wax label and cutting drum `n' bass tunes for LTJ Bukem's Good Looking label, ILS (born Illian Walker) is out on his own, "trying to make sexy music, but something that bites on the dance floor." No problem there!

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