Lo Fidelity Allstars - How to Operate with a Blown Mind [1998]

Review by John Bush
With an effortless grace unmatched by even their Skint labelmates, Lo-Fidelity Allstars segue between acid house, hip-hop, punk, soul, and disco on their debut album, How to Operate With a Blown Mind. Previous high-energy singles like "Vision Incision" and "Kool Roc Bass" are included, along with new tracks like the surprising Hi-NRG/electro-fusion on "Lazer Sheep Dip Funk" and early-'80s funk reminiscent of Prince or Jamiroquai on "Battle Flag" (with Pigeonhed). On occasion, however, the Allstars' attempt at a varied sound backfires; "I Used to Fall in Love" and "Vision Incision" are harshly distorted urban ballads with sub-Liam Gallagher winging in place of vocals. (4/5)