from Time Out (London weekly), March 5-12, 1997, p. 109, in Music Preview section:

[article includes one photo, not shown here]

Faithless

Astoria Thur

It's initially strange to envisage a relatively new, seemingly almost faceless act like Faithless headlining at a cavernous, traditionally 'rock' venue like the Astoria. If you've come to know them through their appealingly catchy and radio-friendly hits 'Insomnia' and 'Salva Mea', you'd surely picture them more comfortably performing a conventional PA in some trendy nightspot. If, on the other hand, you're already attuned to their debut LP 'Reverence' (Cheeky), you'll possess a somewhat clearer notion of what to expect from this live appearance.

Judging by the album, Faithless is the culmination of four people with vastly contrasting backgrounds and record collections shaking their influences into the same melting-pot, and producing a challenging yet fluid sound; definitely worth more than a namecheck on 'Top Of The Pops'. Dub, electro and even folk influences are discernible, tempos shift effortlessly and unexpectedly, and chunky house chords suddenly puncture spooky atmospherica. It's in these brilliant moments of arms-aloft revelry that the sticky handprints of members and near-legendary remixers Rollo and Sister Bliss become most apparent. Best of all, there's the persuasive growl of 'grand oral disseminator' Maxi Jazz, conveying lyrics that are effectively wry (it's the way he mutters 'tearing off tights with my teeth...'). Proceedings are geared up by Olive, comprising ex-members of Simply Red and Nightmares On Wax, in a pop-worthy manner. Is this a gig? Is it a club? With any luck, you'll be dancing too much to care.

Arwa Haider

[Ad appears in same issue on p. 120 with the following text: Riverman by arrangement with Fair Warning/ Wasted Talent presents FAITHLESS plus special guests OLIVE, Thursday 6th March London Astoria, doors 7.00pm, tickets 10 pounds.]