AMG Review of Release

MacKenzie Wilson
All Music Guide

Chris Brann's Ananda Project keeps the grooves intact on Release, a sultry look into big beat layered over trip-hop loops and urban vocals cunningly similar to the Brand New Heavies. Simultaneously attractive and raw, Release connects the brisk drive of hip-hop with deep acid jazz elements. Songs such as "Breaking Down" and "In" include crisp female vocals from Caron Wheeler, while others like "Cascades of Colour" speed up the tempo for a stronger dub feel. Like Todd Terry, Chris Brann's Ananda Project stands apart from more generic forms of house. Brann has embellished his original vision quite successfully with the Ananda Project's Release.