INFECTED MUSHROOM I'M THE SUPERVISOR ALBUM YOYO, BNE, BORDER RELEASE: OCTOBER 6, 2004 REVIEW: OCTOBER 11, 2004

Don't worry. You are not the only one who keeps struggling with the vast spectrum of categorisations within the genre commonly known as "trance". We all know the "mainstream" type, with bands like Scooter and the seemingly factory-made eurodisco clones that are still out there, refusing to turn over and die. Then there is the ever popular psychedelic branch, where Israeli Astral Projection have, quite rightfully, I might add, held on to the crown for nearly ten years now. Their particular brand of Goa-styled trance has mesmerised an entire underground world of club freaks.
Now, Infected Mushroom is an entirely different story altogether. Like Astral Projection, this is a duo. From Israel. But my God, do they manage do tweak out some disturbingly catchy machine collages from their underground studio lair. Listening to "I'm the Supervisor" is like trying to spot the murderer in a well written, intelligent film plot. There's just no way of knowing what the next track will sound like.
The title track is a drum boosted, twisted plethora of strangeness, with some Prodigy-styled vocals thrown in. The following "Ratio Shmatio" (great title, by the way) is more straight forward instrumental progressive trance (the genre mostly associated with the band), ending in style through a gorgeous pounding melody line. The next tracks serves up some ragga flavoured vocals paired with the band's own shouting and a distant female voice. All on a foundation of merciless club beats. This nauseating variation continues throughout the entire album, and leaves me gasping for air, trying to understand.
I honestly don't know what the hell Infected Mushroom did to me with "I'm the Supervisor", but it left me wanting more, even after taking in more than a well balanced dose of the band.
So be warned. But more importantly, be hypnotized!

NIKLAS FORSBERG