- Junkie XL, aka Tom Holkenburg, is a bit of a veteran in the Dance industry despite only really starting to make his mark in recent years. A Broadcast From The Computer Hell Cabin is indeed his third album, his first being Saturday Teenage Kick that was released in 1997 and Sound Of The Drags in 1999. From then, his tracks got large recognition from Sasha in particular who then decided to collaborate with Tom on a number of tracks from his Debut Album, Airdrawndagger. When JXL remixed the Elvis classic ‘A Little Less Conversation’, it was then that the commercial world took notice of the talented Dutch man, which now brings us to his latest album. Eagerly awaited, the album comes with a 3PM and 3AM disc to cater for all listening needs.
The bleeps and squeaks of the Intro to JXL’s Radio Broadcast commence the 3PM disc of the album. “Crusher” is the first track to open the album however, with some driving trademark JXL breakbeat patterns and some sleazy vocals from Saffron, a good kick start. The reggae like atmosphere and vocals of Peter Tosh of “Sleep Policeman” follows. Good track this one combining good baselines and an atmospheric soundscape. The familiar vocals of Dave Gahan follow with “Reload”, using his brilliant voice and a deep combination of beats to good effect. Saffron pops up for the 2nd time with “Spirits”, a track that takes uses a little more funk than usual. “Angels” featuring Gary Numan is next, and is a highlight for me thanks to the vocals. The Cure’s Robert Smith is the next guest with “Perfect Blue Sky”, a downtempo record using the trademark vocal of Mr. Smith. “Between These Walls” uses the vocals of Anouk, and continues the down tempo feel of the middle part of the album. “Access to the Excess” takes the album down to a bit of a dirty vibe with Chuck D on vocals while many should be aware of “Catch up to my Step”, the first single off the album using legend vocalist Solomon Burke. “Never Alone” by Terry Hall keeps the album chugging along while Phill Mills and “Logos” slows the album to walking pace yet again. Aussie talents Infusion collaborate next with the riveting “Nightmares” while Saffron returns yet again for the club destroying anthem “Beauty Never Fades”. Next up is perhaps the most impressive track on the album, the beat less yet emotive “Rivers” by the brilliant vocal talents of Shelley Harland. It’s also a track that really showcases the ability of JXL to create an emotive atmosphere. The Infusion inspired “Aqua Man” is next with its slowed up break beats, and the album ends brilliantly with one of the better tracks, that being “Clouds” with the great vocals of Grant Nicholas.
“Chilled” is the first track from the 3AM disc, and as the name suggests, it delicately begins the disc. “Dubzilla” brings the baseline in and kick starts the disc while “Casio” is a very impressive tech inspired record. A 12 inch cut of “Angels” which featured on the first disc is next, giving the track a club appeal. Sasha makes his appearance with the co-produced “Breezer”, a track that has really tore dancefloors apart in the last year. “Nudge” lifts the tempo right up using some nice elctro elements and some hard kick drums. “Red” follows the same pattern as the disc heads into peak time mode while the insanely long 12 inch cut of “Beauty Never Fades” should be familiar to many who have seen a progressive DJ in the last year. “Cosmic Cure” uses some nice melodic aspect and a rolling baseline while “Rehsurc” concludes this disc in an atmospheric style.
It’s definitely a jam packed album. Many talented guest vocalists lend a helping hand, with some complimentary elements in many tracks. It’s an interesting album nevertheless, with a lot of variety due to the different vocal talents showcased, and there are definitely some tracks that will appeal more then others.