by John Bush
30 is a seemingly effortless blend of classic Chicago jacking house with minimalistic acid funk and the occasional detour into trip-hop and ambient house. Enhanced by Laurent Garnier's longtime DJ work, the superb mix and feel for what should come next inform production skills to an incredible degree. The single &Crispy Bacon& is one of the seminal moments in the history of acid, while &Sweet Mellow D& and the mid-tempo &For Max& provide other highlights. The superb jacking theme &The Hoe& and &Flashback& (dedicated to the recently deceased Armando) are two of the more overtly Chicago-inspired tracks, but 30 is a stunning album throughout.