I'm not sure how to describe the sound of "New Forms", except to just call it drum and bass. It's got the feel of live instrumentation even when everything is programmed, however the way the tracks are built comes straight out of the techno genre. Overall, the sound is very spare and all about "less is more".

If you're having trouble, start with tracks like "New Forms" and "Digital" which include some vocals and rap. These helped me "get it" and opened the door to the instrumental stuff. If you think you're just going to slap this on your player and enjoy, forget it. It demands time on your part and that your ears stretch a bit to really hear how the songs move and change.

Brilliant and essential.


Not Enough Jazz?   December 17, 1999
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a great album ignoring the somewhat pompous title. Jazz, blues, funk, drum n bass etc are hardly new. I agree with others that it is a little too repetetive and boring at times but hey what isnt these days. Those seeking a bit more jazz and fewer and slower beats might like to check out Bugge Wesseltoft and his equally pompously titled New Conception of Jazz which has real horns, guitars, a wider spread of tempos and is actually rather better than this apart from some iffy treated vocals (but then if it has to be called Drum N Bass to fit your personal lifestyle choice, keep the blinkers on)


I'm Still In Shock   November 28, 1999
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This album blew me away. Damn, if you listen to it loud and let the whole album play out, you'll get the best listening experience possible for this album. New Forms plays out like a continuous drum & bass mixtape. The songs, with their rich basslines and pulsing percussion, draw influence from jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Add some smooth vocals and a guest spot by Bahamadia and you have one solid album.


Amazing, !~   March 8, 2000
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This was the first D'n'B album I bought, and I thought this was the bee's knees. And in fact it is. The album takes its course over two cd's, though one would have been sufficient. It does seem a little dragged out, but the first disc if by far the best.

Brown Paper bag, New Forms, well the first 5 or 6 tracks are cutting edge, and are still now. Yes, it's hard to find quality Drum n bass, and I think this is it.

Roni pushed the limits here, adding new unhinted vocals, mad rash tunes with some deep thunderous bass. Plenty of mixing, bass and changes in tempo make this unique. It's not often that you listen to an album and have each track feeling unique.

The best song on the CD is New Forms, it is totally made from "Garage's" Jungle scene with a hint of Size! Thouse who didn't like this album, may have not been expecting such new qualities, and since this album dates from 97, it may be different to the D'n'B you are used to now, since this whole categorization changes so frequently. Go ahead and listen!

I can't wait for his next effort.


Eh....   February 26, 2000
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

I bought this album hearing words like "jazzy" and "innovative". I found little to none of these words in the album. Loop after loop your waiting for something.On some songs you get it, but most you dont. Roni Size may be a great drum n bass artist, but I wouldnt go as far to call him innovative. There's too many clones out there, Lets move on.......