Gus Gus Album: “Believe [CD #1]”

During their time on the 4AD label, the Icelandic collective Gus Gus put out singles that were just as essential as the albums they promoted. This is the case with the "Believe (Disc 1)" single. It features the track from their 1997 debut album POLYDISTORTION as well as the full version of "Oh," the Craze remix of "Cold Breath '79", and an odd remix of "Believe" called "Ghetto Belief."

"Believe", while not one of POLYDISTORTION's best tracks, was one of the catchiest. The single includes the full album version. It's a nice track, but seems unsubstantial compared to other selections from the album.

While it was edited to a very short instrumental on POLYDISTORTION, this single includes the full version of "Oh" with its Icelandic vocals. It does seem a bit long, one can understand why it had to be edited to provide the ideal intro for the album, but it certainly helps to complete one's POLYDISTORTION-era collection.

"Cold Breath '79 (Craze)" is a dark and menacing remix of one of POLYDISTORTION's best tracks. This remix is really heavy on the bass, and transforms the original from a "chilly" sounding track to something as spooky as remixes that later appeared on the STANDARD STUFF FOR DRAMA EP.

"Ghetto Belief" is Gus Gus member Herr Legowitz's remix of "Believe", apparently with additional production, as it opens up with drums not heard on the original. It's vocal-less and isn't one of this single's standouts, although it provides a decent closing.

The album's art, designed by the acclaimed British designer Vaughan Oliver and his v23 firm, is just as solid as on POLYDISTORTION and its other singles. Gus Gus included its own designers, and their work with v23 resulted in design that rose above almost everything else 4AD released in the 1990's.

If you liked POLYDISTORTION, I'd recommend getting "Believe (Disc 1)" and the other singles to complete the Gus Gus experience. If you've never heard Gus Gus, POLYDISTORTION is the album to get.