Smart Systems – Zip Code (Stress Ball Mix)

Released on:
Pulse Two
The Pulse EPs

Runtime: 6:12 (Pulse Two), 5:17 (The Pulse EPs)

The first Smart Systems track lays out the general vibe of the project from the off. Big stabbing chords that could only ever feature on the hardcore end of UK rave music, a punchy breakbeat, and some hoover synths. The darkest sounding track they had created to date, ‘Zip Code’ was the group embracing the sounds of 1991 with glee.

Actually, despite its somewhat crude opening, ‘Zip Code’ has a lot more to offer than one might think. Less then two minutes in, the rave elements largely disappear, leaving an uncharacteristically light and complex drum machine line, accompanied by atmospheric synth pads. The track suddenly runs into early IDM territory, a fitting piece for Warp’s Artificial Intelligence series. The industrial rave machine reappears for the final two minutes, suggesting a more experimental piece bookended by a straight-forward four minute hardcore track. It’s a great example of how Dougans and Cobain were willing to push the boundaries of even the crudest musical styles.

For the 2008 CD reissue, the track was edited by a minute. This edit keeps the atmospheric mid section intact, and cuts roughly thirty seconds each from the opening and closing rave parts.

Credits
Written by Brian Dougans / Garry Cockbain.
Produced and engineered by Mental Cube.