Though only one
Adonis-funded 12", a stray track on a Gigolo release, and a remix of
Osborne's "Bout Ready to Jak" predates this, Jamal Moss' connection to Chicago house dates back to the late '80s. A four-track single put out by Ghostly International's Spectral Sound subsidiary,
Machines for Lovers should introduce Moss to a whole new crop of listeners -- and many that have only been exposed to Chicago house through the
Warp 10+1: The Influences compilation. Lead track "The Strenuous Life" sticks out most, a muffled pounding of a track adorned with rumbling synthetic percussion and sprayed piano runs. The remaining three tracks run closer to minimal-minded techno and don't have the raw edge of "The Strenuous Life," but the title track is bathed in a sticky glaze that's easy to get stuck in.