Tracks:
1. Circuitry (Predator Mix) (7:03) (from Circuitry single)
2. Epidemic (5:35) (from Circuitry single)
3. Plasticity (6:44) (from Plasticity single)
4. Circuitry (Alien Mix) (6:19) (from Circuitry 2 single)
5. Hydrogen (5:12) (from Circuitry 2 single)
6. Colombian Necktie (Tongue Fed Edit) (4:58) (from Colombian Necktie single)
7. Deadlock (7:03) (from Colombian Necktie single)
8. Replicant (5:17) (from Plasticity single)
9. Comatose (Valium 15mg) (4:33) (from Comatose single)
10. Oblivion (7:10) (from Comatose single)
11. Comatose (Ketamin 45mg) (6:50) (from Comatose single)
12. Colombian Necktie (Goarge Mix By Tim Schuldt) (7:40) (from Colombian Necktie single


Label: Synthetic (SPV)

excellent collection of transition period FLA

There was a stretch in 1999 when SPV/Offbeat couldnt release a bad cd, and this one is no different. Titled "Explosion" in probable reference to Front Lines then newly released _Implode_, its a reasonably complete collection of four cd singles, two from the final period of Rhys Fulbers days with Leeb (Circuitry and Plasticity) and two from the beginning period of Chris Petersons stay in the band (Comatose and Columbian Necktie.) As such they provide, in one collection, a fascinating bridge between the two different sounds and two different eras.
I say reasonably complete because it doesnt include Haujobbs mix of "Circuitry" or their own "Biosphere" mix of "Circuitry." But it does start off with the strongest mix of that song, the "Predator" mix. It also doesnt have Haujobbs mix of "Plasticity," or Eatstatics mix of "Comatose." However, you do get everything else FLA did on those four discs, and two songs they didnt: the amazing "Hydrogen," almost worth the price of admission alone, and the "Alien" mix of Circuity, both from the limited edition of _Hard Wired_.

Both A and B sides from _Plasticity_ are here, the swan song for FLAs mark II lineup. Both of those tracks, "Plasticity" and "Replicant," are essential listening for FLA fans. "Epidemic" is another very strong track from the _Circuitry_ single, and "Deadlock" is a track from _Columbian Necktie_ with samples from the movie _Independence Day_. Its as perfect a blend of techno and industrial as you can find and a heavier emblem of the electronica influences found on _Flavour of the Weak_ and to a lesser extent, _Implode_. Finally, "Oblivion," the b-side from _Comatose_, completes the cycle, with sections that sound like samples from Orbitals _The Box EP_.

Only "Electrocution," a missing song that follows "Deadlock" on the _Necktie_ single, cries out for inclusion here. But this is already a strong compilation and should be in any collection that doesnt already own these four singles. There are those who feel techno influences cannot be mixed with industrial ones with success. Are they correct? Listen to this and decide for yourself.