Taking a trip off the beaten track, Narcotic Syntax disengage temporarily from the Perlon crew to amplify the strikingly and suitably named‚ WIR (We in Rhythm) community – according to specific groove standards.

The club tools on „Provocative Percussion“ discharge exactly what the title implies: In contrast to their recent, more song-oriented vocal output, Narcotic Syntax stripped some lascivious, seductive sounding bodies to the widely ramified, torsion-resistant rhythm framework, thus uncovering the dope geometry of a highly effective physical and emotional propulsion system. This sounds like „poetry via percussion“, as a fan from Singapore adroitly expressed his enthusiasm. As is known, James Dean Brown and yapacc file their works under „The Emotional Maximum“.

„Provocative Percussion“ may be denoted as the most „traditional“ Narcotic Syntax release within their last years‘ flow. Here their philosophy of a basically conceptionally designed percussive approach becomes obvious, more tangible than ever, since the heavy emphasis on the bite of the drums is clearly exposed.

It is amazing that these punchy, progressive beats can not solely be attributed to JDB‘s and yapacc‘s accurate programming and sound trimming methods, but to the revitalisation of rhythm sections from classical 50es/60es Exotica records as well, now celebrating cheerful resurrection in the technoid universe (represented by „Fusión Nuclear“). What a rich sample source to utilise! The experienced, super-tight play of those exotic percussion ensembles back then is overwhelming and offers unequaled opportunities.

Which can, however, be taken in „Descarga Narcotica“ (C), too, a refurnished medley of two core tracks by Narcotic Syntax, revitalised through skillful marimba and vibraphone improvisations by Carsten Skov who is known to be a member of the Señor Coconut combo.

Both „Fusión Nuclear“ (B) and the energetic „Blast Excavation“ (A) derived from the propelling rhythm drive of two songs yet to be released, that have been produced in cooperation with NYC-based singer Robert Conroy – whose voice, reminiscent of Scott Walker, is also featured on Narcotic Syntax‘ last Perlon EP „Reptile Sweat Accelerator“ (Perl45) as well as on the label‘s current „Superlongevity Four“ compilation. In the end, the jungalectrified „Lumbago Groove“ (D) exposes a nouveau dance style to the stunned crowd (plus a lovely little moment of shock for unprepared DJs).

Tropics are the topics. In this spirit, the record title can be read as a homage to the golden age of musical sophistication, to the album series of the same name on Command Records (1959-62): to vitality, escapism escapades, trademark sounds, strange and unusual instrumental arrangements, pingpong stereo, inventions of new dance genres, to passionate liner notes, Tiki cult and culture and downing cocktails by the dozen during Mai Tai-flavoured nights.