Juan Atkins' Infiniti Skynet BML 11/98 [6385] 18 years after he started out in Cybotron with Rick Davis, Atkins continues to show us just how it should be done. Instead of resting on past accomplishments, Atkins follows up his recent DJ mix CD on BML with the debut full length from his Infiniti project. Sneaking in under the wire, this comes on as one of the better electronic music albums of 1998. Why? Because Atkins has always known how to put a good song together. Working with Detroit’s Terrence Dixon on a number of cuts, he pushes the envelope of experimentation while infusing it with warmth; Atkins shows forward-thinking doesn't have to mean harsh and hard to get along with. Snappy rhythms that threaten to fracture are wrapped snug and sent shimmering by cavernous basslines and aquatic textures. If there’s any justice, this is the pop music of the year 2010. Heck, put it into rotation now. While mostly instrumental throughout, Atkins puts an uncredited female vocalist to work on "Higher", joins her in a scatting duet on "Coffee Shop (Connection)", and flexes his own tonsils on "Never Tempt Me" and "Postcard From The Future". The latter track sums it up quite well as Atkins gives a sly nod in his spoken word bridge to Cybotron's 1982 Bambaataa-beater, "Cosmic Cars". Don't forget: this classic was the first electro hit, not "Planet Rock". Atkins wouldn't have it any other way; he's been there, done that, and still three steps ahead. 1999 is also looking sweet for lovers of the Atkins sound. As Model 500, Atkins’ “Mind And Body” album, featuring collaborations with the likes of fellow Motor City residents Mike Banks and Robert Hood, along with California’s Danny Zelonky (aka Low Res and Crank), is due in late February on Belgium’s R& S Records. --Andrew Duke More Atkins: click for info on the Model 500 "Mind & Body" album and "Be Brave" single. The tracklisting for and info on Juan Atkins' "Wax Trax! Mastermix Volume One" mix CD can be found here in the News section. Back to album reviews index