Brian Hieggelke

When Bristol, England DJs Nick Warren and Jody Wisternoff added vocalist Omi to their live band, Way Out West, they created a bit of a conundrum. On their new record, "Don't Look Now," Omi's wistful, ethereal vocals dominate the tracks on which she sings, especially the opening single, "Anything But You," with its vigorous breakbeat backing, making their absence on other tracks feel like a void. The record's split, roughly, between beautiful "Omi tracks" and broken-beat instrumental dance tracks, infused with sounds that range from funky space-age breakbeat to electro trance. In any case, the trio is touring along with drummer Damon Reece (Spiritualized, Massive Attack, Echo & the Bunnymen) and bassist Joe Allen (Roni Size, Allision Moyet), which should make for an interesting and rare set of UK house played by a live band.

Way Out West plays Abbey Pub, 3420 West Grace, (773)478-4408, on November 9.

(2004-11-03)

Also by Brian Hieggelke

Club Tip of the Week
The second U.N.K.L.E. record, "Never, Never, Land," plays like a futuristic cinema soundtrack so richly rendered that you can even hear the images
(2004-10-27)

DVD Tip of the Week
A fast-paced farce about the stakes of taking your true love for granted
(2004-10-13)

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(2004-01-28)

Aliments de préparation rapide
"Many of you have asked me why I chose to do that ad for Burger King...."
(2003-11-13)

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(2003-10-16)

Spin Control
(2003-09-17)

Big Nights
(2003-07-02)

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(2003-06-25)

Oysy
(2003-06-04)

Spin Control
(2003-06-04)

Ryan's hope
(2003-05-28)

Fun house
(2003-05-14)

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