Here’s an EP with a short half-life… it was blisteringly good when it came out, with that killer combination of full-on melodies and dark rolling beats. There was something about the apocolyptic track titles that really got to me when I was first getting into the psychedelic trance sound. Unfortunatly, since the Wizzy guys have taken this approach to so many new levels in the years since this release, there’s no real reason to go back to these early efforts which now sound terribly amateurish in comparison to their intricate later productions. I couldn’t consider this first and only record a classic by any means, especially considering how quickly their talents began to shine. Tracks like Twisted Love and Shores of Freedom show off the incredible power of their old style, totally eclipsing this pair of early efforts. Then again, it could be that Wizzy Noise’s sound was so much better suited for the digital medium, and the vinyl pressing hampers the fullness of their original sound. Whatever the case, I don’t think it’s a very good record any more, and would pitch it to collectors only.

The Velociraptor EP combines the talents of mid-period T.I.P. artists Growling Mad Scientists and Synchro. In the years that followed, both acts began to follow seperate paths, forsaking the early innovative spirit for commercial aims and rhythmic navel-gazing, respectively. In 1997 these acts were developing into their creative prime, however. An intoxicating off-shoot of Dutch break-trance and rich psychedelia results in two solid tunes on this slab of vinyl.

Velociraptor effortlessly slips into intricate rhythmic permutations, smoothly rattling from one detailed structure to the next. The Synchro influence is very apparent in the drum work, but GMS provide their scratchy leads and a wicked haunting atmosphere. The execution is subtle yet entrancing, substantiating the song’s persistant appeal.

Bandicoot on the Run is a fast, fun, and funky tune with a drive that reminds me of Caterpillar. Tightly timed breakbeat samples ricochet amidst the bouncing kick and phrenetic bass line, developing an enticing grind which is thrown into overdrive in the staggered 3/4 timed body section of the track. Wacky cartoon-style samples, probably from the console video game of a similar title, provide some levity as the track digs deeper into wobbly acid-laced rhythms. It’s infectious, groovy, and still psychedelic in the old style. Sick material!

All in all the EP offers up one frantic monster of a tune alongside a moderately more serious track with a dark edge. This is without question another successful record from the T.I.P. Records glory days.