Spylab - This Utopia (CD)

All Music Guide

Chicago's Guidance has achieved a great deal since its inception in the mid- '90s, drawing everything from downbeat and hip-hop under its house umbrella. This latest long-player sees refrigerated beats ably provided by Glasgow duo Kenny Inglis and Jon Giles. With loping beats and closed-circuit digipack graphics in abundance, the Massive Attack and Portishead influences of the pair are reflected throughout the album. That said, while their style is far from unique -- both "Facade" and "In the Shade" could almost be hitherto undiscovered hidden tracks from the Protection album, while the ethereal tones of vocalist Sophie Bancroft only compound the comparisons -- their blend of thunderous cinematica is more than competently executed and sure to please those awaiting the next efforts of those aforementioned Bristol-based production teams.

- Kingsley Marshall, All Music Guide