Progressive History X

Album Review

Though this veteran techno outfit hasn't made much of a commercial splash in the U.S., they've had five Top 40 tracks in their native U.K., and this compilation collects their hits and rarities on one CD in order to capitalize on the momentum provided by the use of "Absurd" in the title sequence for 2001's biggest summer blockbuster, Tomb Raider. Though none of the tracks here rival the infectious brilliance of the Chemical Brothers or Fatboy Slim's best work, it is interesting to listen as the group evolves from the pop-house sound of 1990s "Philly (Jamorphous)" to the beefier, more adventurous approach of their 1997 Astralwerks debut, Risotto. Theirs is a fairly standard big beat sound, with block-rockin' beats and insistent grooves designed for maximum dancefloor pleasure, but ultimately nothing here sticks in your head long after the CD finishes playing.