A space odyssey that explores the darker reaches of the soul, Psyence Fiction is an entrancing Magical Misery Tour. A project of the same general species as This Mortal Coil, and The Golden Palominos--UNKLE is the brain child of Mo Wax Records founder James Lavelle and DJ Shadow. Hot on the heals of his successful 1997 debut Endtroducing, Shadow, (a.k.a. J. Davis), writes or co-writes all of the songs on this cryptic creation.

Noteworthy guest appearances include Richard Ashcroft of the Verve, Thom Yorke of Radiohead, and the Beastie Boys' Mike D--all of whom co-wrote their respective tracks. Easily Psyence Fiction's centerpiece is the nine minute opiate opus entitled "Lonely Soul." Co-written and sung by Richard Ashcroft, this song defines the album and makes the breakup of the Verve all the harder to accept.

Unlike most albums of this nature, (including most soundtracks), there is a consistent musical and thematic piping that plumbs the depths of Shadow's land. With the exception of two blistering rappers, the songs on Psyence Fiction are a fascinating blend of Goth/gloom and psychotech sampling (Hal the computer from 2001 type of stuff). Throw in a measured dose of thunderous drum breaks and turntable scratching and it makes for a very recommendable sonic experience.

Two of the albums better songs are given eerie life by the breathy, Elizabeth Frazier-like vocals of Atlantique and Alice Temple. But in general Psyence Fiction is Pink Floyd meets Beck meets "Naked Lunch," with the alluring bittersweetness typified by bands such as Bauhaus, early Cocteau Twins and more recently Portishead. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, disregard the above. But if your tastes run toward this sort of morose majestic morbidity then this is a fun record to own. What evil lurks in the hearts of men . . ? DJ Shadow knows.