Audiopile Review: Amon Tobin’s Permutations is the sound of the Brazilian artist finally arriving into his own distinct sound. His debut album, Adventures In Foam, issued in ’96 under the short-lived Cujo moniker, and the 1997 album Bricolage, his first under his given name, were both part of the crowded breakbeat and future jazz genres that were absolutely exploding during the mid 90s. Both are great records within those confines, but Permutations would be the album to harden and narrow the Tobin aesthetic down into an instantly recognizable style. Still largely consumed with sampling jazz breaks, Permutations would be driven by increasingly frenetic drum samples that reached farther back than the typical late ‘60s/early 70s jazz samples that were wildly popular during the era. Think Gene Krupa drum battles vs Buddy Rich as sources rather than, say, Bob James. Taking notes from jungle and drum & bass, the pace on Permutations was notably quickened, though Tobin would be sure to keep elements of the lounge-y vibe he had previously been immersed in, the breezy edge of downtempo helping cool the newfound percussive heat. His nimble drum breaks and dense layering also prove a tighter sense of control throughout, a sleeker sound design aspect that he would continue to refine, particularly on his finest moment, 2000’s Supermodified and also through his eventual video game soundtracking. Still sounds incredibly vital and fresh 25+ years later! Our order was cut back on this one, so we have few copies available than we had hoped for. Don’t sleep to long on this one.

Ninja Tune is not reknowneed for playing the cynical game of hip remixes. Very few drum and bass remixers have been released on the label, but of very high quality: Lemon D for DJ Food, Dillinga for Funki Porcini.

Amon Tobin, who produces himself some fine experimental breakbeats, with a unique latin flavour, has personally asked Danny Breaks to remix the track, while Dillinja actually asked to have a go.

The original track, the cool and groovy “Like Regular Chickens” is already a highlight of the forthcoming album. Both Danny Breaks and Dillinja have kept intact the vibe of the track, but the result is very different on either side. Danny Breaks goes for the seedy, smokey, jazz joint atmosphere while Dillinja goes more abstract and minimal, with sharp and heavy beats… Versatile and of high qualityt, this 12 should find its place in plenty of DJ boxes.