Tales from a Danceographic Ocean

Back in 1992, the dance genres weren’t fully separated from one another, and Belgium’s R&S records stood right in the centre of them — played by techno, hardcore rave, house and nascent trance scene DJs. This EP is the perfect example of one of those records that bridged all the gaps. The eternally brilliant “Stella” is MDMA encapsulated, its lush surging chord modulations, shamelessly sensuous whispering, sonar bleeps and cheesy as hell cod Spanish guitar lick all pursuing the pleasure principle relentlessly over six and a half airborne minutes. “My First Fantastic F.F.” strips “Stella” down to its beat, bass, bleeps and acid line and stretches it out further until you’re above the clouds. “Keep On Movin’” is archetypal Belgian-style (though J&S were German) hardcore techno, roaring, swooping and demanding you set aside all rational thoughts as it pummels you.