release date: May 7, 1991
format: digital
[album rate: 3 / 5] [2,86]
producer: Pascal Gabriel & Ralph Jezzard
label: Parlophone - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Long Summer Days" - 5. "I Believe" - 6. "Unbelievable" (4,5 / 5) - 7. "Girl of an Age"
Studio album debut by Gloucester-based electronic quintet EMF [aka Epsom Mad Funkers] consisting of lead vocalist & guitarist James Atkin, Derry Brownson on keyboards & samples, Ian Dench on keyboards & guitars, Zac Foley on bass, and Mark Decloedt on drums.
EMF released the single "Unbelievable" in Nov. '90, and it was an immediate hit around the world reaching #3 on the UK singles chart list (#1 in the US), and it possibly paved the way for the recordings for this full-length album.
Musically, EMF is part of the baggy / madchester, alt. dance scene, which includes bands like The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Stereo MCs, Inspiral Carpets, and James. Sampling plays a major role in the music by EMF and most songs are held in an uptempo electronic and alt. dance-style.
Schubert Dip received mixed reviews but still peaked at #3 on the national albums chart list; however, "I Believe" is the only song that comes close to their hit single and the album is really nothing more than just above mediocre. I have occasionally played it in its entirety and always concluded that it's an uneven collection of songs that do not match albums by Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses or most other acts of the genre, but "Unbelievable" is one hell of a tune.
[ allmusic.com 3 / 5 stars ]
