A User's Guide

a reissue of ultramarine's fifth (and so far final) album 'a user's guide'. originally issued in 1998, the eclectic and intriguing 'a user's guide' marked a welcome return to the independent sector after five years on major label wea/blanco y negro. largely electronic, the album also marked a return to a sound more akin to the understated ambient-techno of 'every man and woman is a star'. it was recorded and produced by the band (paul hammond and ian cooper) at their own studio (survey) in london during 1997. influences included autechre, carl craig, eric dolphy and scientist. stand out tracks include the opening 'all of a sudden', 'surfacing' and 'what machines want'. on ltm