Way Out West

Conspicuous from the rest of Bristol's electronica scene by the absence of trip-hop or jungle leanings in their productions, Way Out West have instead pursued straightahead house and trance with closer ties to progressive British dancefloors than American hip-hop. The duo of Jody Wisternoff and Nick Warren first came together in the mid-'90s; Wisternoff was a veteran producer who had first recorded at the age of 14 (with fellow Bristolian house artists Smith & Mighty) while Warren was a high-profile Balearic DJ and clubnight-promoter influenced by the sounds of Madchester. The duo began recording, and by 1996 their single "The Gift" had become a big mover on dancefloors and the radio as well, thanks to a British advert which used the song. Signed to Deconstruction, Way Out West released their self-titled debut album in 1997. A change of venue, to Distinct'ive, preceded the release of 2001's Intensify, and after a three-year interim the duo followed with the similar-sounding Don't Look Now. Warren, who spent time as the resident DJ at super-club Cream, has released several compilations detailing his mixing skills. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide