Recorded at The Bomb Shelter, Glendale, California.
By capturing critical attention through some impressive compilation cuts before unveiling their full-length debut VEGAS, Crystal Method allowed themselves time to explore and develop a plethora of soundscapes, with elements ranging from spacey synthesizers and NASA samples to dense layered breakbeats. The opener "Trip Like I Do" firmly establishes the album's direction: oscillating synthesizers, hard edged drum-and-bass furor coupled with samples reminiscent of My Life With The Thrill Kill Cult. Those who still believe that American electronica cannot compare to the British electronic movement need only take a careful listen to the unrelenting-yet-tasteful sonic juxtapositions which VEGAS unleashes.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (9/4/97, p.68) - 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - "...the Crystal Method aren't averse to occasionally fusing good old-fashioned guitar licks to their dense mix of funky breaks, distorted beats and escalating keyboard swells..."
Entertainment Weekly (9/26/97, pp.78-79) - "..Their mixture of crescendoing break beats and inspiring Jesse Jackson samples places them in the vanguard of techno-rock..." - Rating: A-
Vibe (9/97, p.247) - "...Entering this U.K.-dominated genre are the Crystal Method, a southern California-based duo whose pulsating debut is alive with frenetic beats, sensual melodies, and the style's trademark squiggly sound effects..."
Melody Maker (10/25/97, p.53) - "...Technology may well be their forte and their medium, but The Crystal Method just want to rock your socks off....at the moment they don't quite make it but there's a lot of potential in there which, with a bit more bite, could be just the ticket."
