James Taylor and David Brown. They live and work in London and released their first 12" single 'Bueno/Fukumachi' in 1997 to much acclaim. They followed with the now classic 12" 'Speedboat/Low Rez Skyline', to become part of the burgeoning tech-house scene in the UK. However, always keen to challenge expectations, they have developed their sound through the ten 12" singles they have released to date.

Their debut long player 'Snowboarding In Argentina' was released by the Medicine Label (USA) and Pagan Records (UK) in May 1998. It earned many good reviews and quietly wormed it's way into the listening selections of those with an ear for quality and depth. It came as a complete surprise when 'Snowboarding' was chosen as 1998 Album of the Year in US dance publication Mixer.

'Himawari', the new album, is the result of eighteen months work. It is an expedition into sound that moves the listener through uncharted territories of deep house, techno, ambient dub and electro, all stamped with the particular mark of the Swayzak sound. There is a definite sense of travel when listening to 'Himawari'- new and unfamiliar places rest with echoes of home - contrasts and similarities abound. It is no accident that the first and last word you hear on this album are the same, enhancing the notion of a full circle or round trip. The artwork is a photographic travelogue taken by Swayzak on their two year intercontinental mission providing a visual companion to the ever changing soundscape.

Forging links with the international underground, Swayzak have journeyed to many cities to perform live. Their live sound can be very different to the recorded work. Improvising to a high degree, they sculpt the sound in a dub fashion using the mixing board as their lead instrument. This results in a unique experience every performance as they alter the sonic atmosphere in ways that are not possible for conventional DJ's. It is this experience that has been largely influential in the sound, look and feel of 'Himawari'.

The album features contributions from dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah and vocalists Kirsty Hawkshaw and JB Rose. Three very different voices that add a new dimension to the music, they bring vocal expression to the already warm, organic soundscape created by Swayzak. 'Illegal' with Benjamin Zephaniah is a wake up call that sets the tone for the rest of the LP. Spoken in a godlike manner, his lyrics refer to the club and the clubber - his motto is "do something illegal". 'State of Grace' with Kirsty Hawkshaw is a tribute to the techno future/past of Kraftwerk, Ultravox, Visage and Giorgio Moroder - it is deep and subtle yet uplifting track that makes you dream of 1982.

So please prepare for boarding and allow yourself to be seduced by the music of Swayzak - the sound that transcends gender, race, class, language and geography. Deep electronic soul for your man machines.

Click here for an interview with SWAYZAK