Eye of the Storm by Sonic Hub: A Wild Ride Through Electro Chaos
Alright, so let’s talk about Eye of the Storm by Sonic Hub. Released back in 2006, this UK-born electro album is like that one friend who always shows up with a bag of weird snacks—you’re not sure what you’re getting at first, but once you dive in, it’s kinda unforgettable. The whole thing feels raw and unfiltered, which honestly makes it stand out from other polished electronic albums from the same era.
The production creds are solid—Ricky Wilde and Sean Vincent were all over this, handling engineering, mixing, and even some producing duties. And hey, shoutout to Rob Berwick for jumping in on a couple tracks too. Big props to Sonic Hub themselves for the artwork and photography; it’s got that DIY vibe that matches the music perfectly. Label? Oh yeah, Sonic-Hub Records. Small operation, big vibes.
Now onto the tracks. I’m not gonna lie, there’s a lot here (13 tracks!), but two really stuck with me: “Wolf to the Lamb” and “Strip It Bare.” Let me break it down.
“Wolf to the Lamb” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s got this gritty bassline that just grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. There’s something hypnotic about how the synths swirl around—it’s chaotic but still groovy as hell. Like, imagine walking through a neon-lit alleyway late at night while someone whispers secrets into your ear. That’s the mood. You can tell Ricky Wilde put his stamp on this one—it’s layered without being overwhelming, and every beat feels intentional. Honestly, I couldn’t stop nodding my head to this track. Still haven’t.
Then there’s “Strip It Bare,” which flips the script entirely. This one’s darker, moodier, almost like staring into an abyss—but in a good way? The rhythm builds slowly, teasing you until BAM, it drops and just owns you. It’s minimalistic compared to some of the busier tracks, but man, does it work. Feels like they stripped everything down (pun intended) to the essentials and left only what mattered. Sean Vincent probably had a hand in keeping things tight here because damn, it’s clean.
Other highlights? Sure, “We’re Not Alone” has this infectious energy that’ll make you wanna move, and “Colours” throws in some trippy soundscapes that feel dreamy yet slightly unsettling. But those two tracks? They’re the ones I keep coming back to. Maybe it’s nostalgia kicking in, or maybe they’re just THAT good.
What’s wild is how cohesive the album feels despite its variety. Some tracks lean more dancefloor-ready, others are introspective and moody, but it all ties together under this stormy, electric umbrella. And yeah, the title fits—this album feels like standing in the middle of chaos, watching lightning strike all around you. Thrilling? Absolutely. Predictable? Not even close.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Eye of the Storm now, over 15 years later, feels kinda bittersweet. Electronic music has evolved so much since then, but this record reminds me of when the genre felt untamed, like anything could happen. It’s messy, imperfect, and absolutely brilliant because of it.
And hey, fun fact—if Sonic Hub ever decided to drop a follow-up, I’d be first in line. But knowing them, they probably moved on to something completely different. Wouldn’t put it past ‘em.
