Todd Edwards' Nervous Tracks collects eleven tracks from the label's most distinctive producer, offering plenty of evidence (as if any were necessary) how
Edwards forged the style that launched Britain's garage and 2-step scene. On highlights like "Guide My Soul," "The Praise," and "So Real,"
Edwards dices not just the words from split-second vocal tags, but bare syllables, then pours them into a fast-forward mix of pointed beats and cymbal-heavy percussion. The effect is invigorating and contagious, so it's no surprise that when upcoming British garage producers like
MJ Cole and
Tuff Jam began looking for role models, they emulated
Edwards. Even the vocal productions, "Oohhh Baby" by
Veda Simpson, and "Tomorrow" by
Kim English, are excellent. ~ John Bush