photek - U.F.O.

Overview:

Released in 1995, U.F.O. / Rings Around Saturn is a seminal 12" single by Photek, marking the final release on his self-titled imprint before signing to a major label. This double A-side record is a cornerstone of drum and bass, blending intricate breakbeat production with atmospheric and jazz-infused elements. It laid the groundwork for Photek’s debut album, with the "Rock Dirge" break from "Rings Around Saturn" reappearing in later works like "Smoke Rings."

Track Descriptions:

• U.F.O.: A harder, techstep-leaning track featuring surgically precise drum programming and samples from voice recordings tied to the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO incident in East Anglia. Its ominous, mechanical vibe captures a darker, more intense side of drum and bass. Some listeners find it less distinctive compared to its counterpart but appreciate its technical prowess.

• Rings Around Saturn: Widely regarded as a classic, this track is a pinnacle of "intelligent" jungle/drum and bass. It features complex, rolling percussion, a lush bassline, and a sample from Pharoah Sanders’ "Astral Traveling" (noted on the LTJ Bukem compilation Logical Progression as "Pharaoh"). Its cosmic, jazzy atmosphere and intricate snare work have made it a timeless piece, praised for its depth and replay value.

Notable Features:

• The single is celebrated for its airy, atmospheric quality with a jazz influence, possibly sampling Pharoah Sanders or Lonnie Liston Smith.

• "Rings Around Saturn" was a staple in sets by DJs like LTJ Bukem and Fabio during 1995-96, cementing its status as a genre-defining track.

• The vinyl’s matrix/runout includes an etched tribute: "THE FINAL CUT FOR 'STU' AT MASTERPIECE RIP," marking it as the last track cut by mastering engineer Stuart Hawkes.