Barely a year after J Majik returned with Full Circle, an astounding full-length every bit as essential as his early Metalheadz singles, the drum'n'bass legend released the more exploratory Always Be. Not intended as an official follow-up to Full Circle, and not an assemblage of outtakes or off-cuts, Always Be is simply the work of an expert continuing to craft quality material while retaining the spark of renewed enthusiasm that made his previous effort such a resounding success. Right away, he strikes the perfect balance of lush synth-strings, uplifting vibes, and brutal, slamming breakbeats with the opening title track, later pushing the beats harder on "Future World." "Dark Summer" has charged-up battle breaks and ecstasy-spiked synths, but it's generally an easy-gliding roller. Midway through the album, J Majik steps off the drum'n'bass train and channels some of his other influences. "Holographic" is a rejuvenating sound bath of rich, aquatic synths and ticking hi-hats, floating free at a midtempo pace. "Life Force" is an exact midpoint between Good Looking-style atmospheric jungle (there are even sampled dolphin cries!) and Underground Resistance-adjacent Detroit techno, with swirling, stirring synth melodies and slightly acid-spiked beat patterns, and an ethereal voice constantly breaking through the waves. "Sunkiss" continues in a blissful post-Detroit mode, with some steady breaks swiftly broken up and glitched out, not so much upsetting the mood as electrifying it. "Message to You" is a further shot of adrenalin, with early hardcore-tipped breaks sprinting over calm, uplifting pads, feeling free and unbothered. Wrapping it all up is "Velocity," another exhilarating blend of deep contemplation and raging Amen break fury. J Majik has been producing tracks since he was 14, and it's assuring to know that decades later, he hasn't forgotten what made this music resonate with him in the first place. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi

1		Always Be
2		Dark Summer
3		My Love
4		Holographic
5		Velocity
6		Break Free
7		Life Force
8		Future World
9		Sunkiss
10		Message to You

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