User's Guide

• Track Listing

In 1991 celebrated electronic duo Ultramarine recorded their landmark 'pastoral techno' album Every Man and Woman is a Star, re-released by LTM to widespread acclaim in 2002. We are now pleased to reissue their 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. A User's Guide 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. Ultramarine comprised Essex-raised duo of Paul Hammond and Ian Cooper, who debuted with Folk before recording the ground breaking EM&WIAS in 1991. Subsequent albums included United Kingdoms (1993), Bel Air (1995) and a User's Guide (1998). Paul Hammond remains active as Further Details and with his label Real Soon. 2005.