sampling, timbaland-indebted rhythms, people doing a funny dance like those breakdancers in covent garden in 1985, jungle's speed, hardcore's nuttiness, garage's vocal choppage.
the memories and sensibilities of a whole generation repackaged and rejuvenated.
on paper it was new. it was unprecedented. but it never felt properly like that. that's the power of a sound world; however novel or innovative you are it contains you within it. it couldn't be truly new because it was comforting, it pointed to the world we were leaving behind.
the last triumphant hoorah of children of the 80's and teenagers of the 90's.