"Devious Methods" although released in 1998, just recently came into my collection of CDs. I had heard of Hive first from "The Matrix" soundtrack, which contained the track "Ultrasonic Sound." The power of the beats, mixed with a very infectious guitar sample made it an instant hit with me. It made me wonder though how the rest of Hive's music would sound. Was "Ultrasonic Sound" to be one of the *only* good tracks by Hive? I can tell you the answer now, and that answer is "no" it is one of MANY great songs Hive has created.

I am going to relate DM (Devious Methods) to another release that does something similar to what Hive did.... Panacea's "Twisted Designz." Hive doesn't have the same crunchiness, and or "heaviness" as Panacea's sound, but it captures the dark edge and the best elements of drum and bass. Mixed in to the music one will also notice voice samples used often. These range from hip-hop samples to unique and rarely heard if ever sc-fi voice samples. The hip-hop samples are a given though, considering DJ Hive's other interest besides DnB is hip-hop music. I myself am not a huge fan of hip-hop anymore, but the voice samples used are thankfully well placed and fit in within the theme of the whole CD.

I'd spend time commenting upon each and every track on "Devious Methods," but that would take me forever. This is one of those rare CDs that I can play from beginning to end, and not be bored the whole way through and not wish to skip any tracks. Each track seems to carry it's own uniqueness, but still stay within the theme of the the album as a whole. Take for example track 3 "Questionable Directions"... the track is an upbeat, drum and bass piece with a steady gallop to it once it gets going. Then you jump into Track 4 "A Chain of Prophecies", which noticeably slows itself down and provides a laid back (DnB) beat at it's beginning. From there it morphs into an infectious, foot tapping drum and bass beat with background sounds that takes the mind swirling through multiple sceneries. Through out the whole CD there are these elegant changes from danceable DnB to dark, moody moments.

This release should be a real jewel to any collectors that love drum and bass, containing an eerie, dark and foreboding (thought provoking even) sense to it's sound. Artists such as Dryft and Panacea are the only other ones that have ever reached that goal for me. It is a pleasure to finally add another name to that list, and also be able to say Hive is unique from what I've already heard.

DJ Hive made the comment in an article I read about him, stating that the drum 'n bass pieces, take much more time and effort then say hip-hop beats do in construction. Considering the end result which is "Devious Moments" I'd say the extra effort is not only very evident, but also greatly appreciated by people such as myself.

Reviewed by Bry'n
2.13.02