After 1997's unimaginatively entitled third album, Download planned onreleasing two EPs ('Moth' and 'Resilient' if memory serves) that nevercame to be. More than likely some if not all of the material for thosehas resurfaced here, along with 'Effector' outtakes, on the thirdinstallment of the "From the Vault" series. From the get go I'mimpressed as these are finished tracks on par with or better than thosethat made the official releases, unlike the lifeless doodlings of thefirst Vault disc "Inception". "Sticky Glandstin" has all theessentials: a jittery bass heavy beat, bizarre samples and sounds andan amniotic atmosphere smeared across the stereo field. The next track"Dakota" is the first jaw dropper when it shifts gears and glides intoan elegant synthetic wash. Rhythmically "The Itch of Trepanning"swaggers and "Manmade" assaults while "Nor" caresses (it too dissolvinginto a howl enhanced ambient bliss midway through). "Walking, Talking"also beats you pleasantly senseless with an intricate mesh of metallicpercussion and electronic squelches over a groovy bass lead. "D.O.G."and "P.U.P." reference Key's longtime feline companions to which this45 minute collection is dedicated. With that in mind both take on asomewhat somber but thankful air, the rhythms tamed down some to focusmore on melodic feel. If you're remotely a fan of post-'The Eyes ofStanley Pain' Download, 'III Steps Forward' is very worth your while.
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