Yet more from the Illuminated stable and there's more still to come. A sneak preview reveals that 23 Skidoo's single for the label, to be released at the start of next year, is yet another stormer - and it features the Aswad horn section too.

For now though this Portion Control platter will do just nicely. Verry different from the Blows but just as uncompromising, PC concentrate on a heavy backbeat and a driving electronic sound. Depeche Mode suggested that there was a great deal of life to be examined in the electronic dub area, on their longer version of 'Everything Counts', but it's Portion Control who've stemaed a few steps ahead in that respect. Whilst retaining an overall commercial viability 'Raise The Pulse' is a forceful dance record streaming with ideas.

The simple melodies are extended to their logical extremes through a series of effects and the crunching beat is perfectly punctuated by some gruff and growling vocals. The emotion level is high and screaming sentences are blurted out with a fiery enthusiasm that I've not heard for a long time.

Portion Control are a cleverly crafted outfit who hit hard where it's most enjoyable. An absolute classic.

© SOUNDS 1983

Digital assistance and credit: Simon Dell <simon@stroppy.demon.co.uk>