Hard, mean acid house.

Forget smiley faces because Dave Clarke’s acid house wears a scowl and certainly doesn’t want to give you a hug. He gives odd nods to his other influences by including contributions from Chicks On Speed and hip-hopper Mr Lif, but most of Devil’s Advocate is pure bloody-minded techno. Of course, as The Wiggle proves, no one does “hard” better than Clarke, and he can be as weirdly exhilarating as being chased through the streets by bottle-wielding thugs. However, he doesn’t always avoid getting trapped down a techno blind alley. (6/10) Paul Clarke 31 October 03

Dave Clarke - Devil’s Advocate, released 03 November 03 on Skint.

useful link: www.daveclarke.com