Music Review: iiO - Exit 110 (feat Nadia Ali)

Music Review: iiO - Exit 110 (feat Nadia Ali)


After an extended break, iiO have returned with their follow up to the hugely successful debut album, Poetica. Continuing with their electronic experimentation, Exit 110 sees the return of Nadia Ali as the divine voice of the band.


It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since iiO captured the hearts of clubbers worldwide with their debut smash Rapture. A track that has spawned dozens of remixes from the likes of Armin Van Buuren and Deep Dish. A track which, a decade on, still get heavy club rotation. Now, a decade on, we are getting new music from the band. Those looking for a rehash of old material will be sorely disappointed however. As any musical entity must, iiO have grown and so has the music. Still close to their electronic roots, it's no longer the overall ambient feel from Poetica.


The album starts strong with It'll Be Like. This is probably the closest track on the album to Poetica material we're used to. The song is captivating and enchanting. It's steady beat thumping away behind the stunning vocals. Both parts work together to capture the ear and attention of the listener.


The next three tracks More (Love Hi), All I Need and Meant to Be have quite a heavy 80s influence while still remaining uniquely modern. The seductive tones of Nadia Ali's voice and the excited energy of the music all work and fuse together to make each track an adventure for the ear. The three tracks are proof of just what made iiO such a household name.


Going sideways from the 80s style, the track I Don't Know branches off into a steady and almost tribal feel track. The beauty of the track though, is that the musical styling can't be quantified or actually defined given the fluidity of the track. It's electronic, it's tribal, it's got both a house and trance feel to it. As messy as that makes the track sound, it's actually not. It's polished perfection showing how easily the boundaries can blend.


Also on the album is P.I.C. (Partner In Crime). A track that returns to the 80s influence and even features an interpolation of Funky Town. It's a refreshing track with energy and excitement running free. 


Don't Talk to Her and Fiends are not the best tracks that iiO have ever released. As much as they are exciting and energetic, there's just something about the two tracks which make them feel a little bit like fillers which isn't something that has ever been said about an iiO track before. Each track has it's own merits, don't be mistaken. They just take a few listens before they start to grow on you.


Featured towards the end of the album is Poetica II. A musical sequel to the spoken word conclusion of the Poetica album. The track follows in the same vein as the original but Ali's voice tends to be drowned out by the music which runs over the top. It does, however, lead nicely into the closing track Exit 110. The slick production and instrumental track shows that MarKus Moser can create masterpieces on his own without Ali. 


All in all, Exit 110 is a great album. People looking for a mirror or reproduction of Poetica will be disappointed. The sound is similar but different at the same time. There will be those who don't like the evolution that has occurred and there will be bothers who embrace it. No artist can release the same album twice and iiO haven't either. Even if you don't have this album on your 'To Buy' list, at least put it on the 'To Listen' list.


Exit 110 is out now through made records

Music Review: Nadia Ali - Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition

Music Review: Nadia Ali - Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition


Since 2001, the world has known the voice of Nadia Ali. Her work with iiO, collaborations with some of the foremost names in dance like Armin Van Buuren, Serge Devant, Tocadisco and Chris Reece means that she is one of the most sought after vocal performers in the dance world.


Queen of Clubs: Diamond Edition is the final release in her Queen of Clubs trilogy. The three part release has previously had Ruby Edition and Onyx Edition and this completes the catalogue. Spanning the three albums has been the best of Ali's worked remix and Diamond is definitely a case of saving the best for last.


Opening the album with Rapture is like opening the cover of your favourite book. In the years since it's release, so many people have danced to the track and here is a shiny new remix (Gareth Emery Remix) of it to win over more listeners. It's still got the same feel as when it first came out and is as anthemic as every. For, what has now been, nine years - Rapture has been a club favourite and has dancers sweeping to the floor and this track will do nothing but rejuvenate the lover affair with this stunning track.


Following is the new track Call My Name which is Ali's collaboration with Ned Shepard and Sultan. The pair are some of her favourite people to work with in the studio as she revealed in an interview not long after the release of her debut artist album Embers. The beat is catchy and, as always, Ali's voice is perfectly suited and captures the ear easily.


Ride With Me (DJ Shogun Remix) and Triangle (Michael Badal Remix) follow and continue to lift the standard of each track. The album really starts to come into it's own, though, with Point The Finger (Lost Stories Remix) which is such a departure from the original which was more downtempo. The song keeps moving on with a forward sound. Ali's voice isn't overdone or altered in any way and that is part of the endearing part of the track.


If you remember iiO, you'll remember the following single At The End. Here is a trip of nostalgia for you. It's a stunning piece of music with a lifting melody which is couple with Ali's voice and a driving beat. You will be sweating while you dance to this track. This track is a reminder of why people feel in love with iiO in the first place. The dance, the melody, the beat and that stunning voice.


It would be impolite not to mention the electric inclusion of Love Story (Andy Moore Remix). The track is amazing. There's not much more that can be said about it. It's driven and it's enthralling. It's a fantastic remix and, again, proves why Ali is the household name of dance.


Finishing the album is Fantasy (Starkillerz Remix). The track is hard to describe other than a complete eargasm. From the start with the build of the song to the peaking crescendo, the track never stops growing or leading the listener on the journey.


The only downside that can really be found with the album is that it doesn't have more of the amazing remixes that are out there included (TyDi on Fine Print and Scumfrog on Love Story being examples). Though when coupled with Ruby's 14 tracks and Onyx's 18 tracks, this is a massive body of work.


The overall effect of the album is a constant reminder of why Ali is as popular as she is. She's a strong female with a voice that is pure bliss to listen to. Her music is astounding and riveting. Ali has amazing talent as does everyone who has loaned a hand to making each remix of the album (and indeed the trilogy). This album belongs in the collection of any Ali fan or DJ's collection.