Their first release was an EP named Dive!, published in 1996 through independent label Wall of Sound. They gained fame the next year by providing a remix for Bond composer David Arnold's Bond tribute album Shaken & Stirred covering John Barry's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the theme song to the sixth James Bond film, re-orchestrated by Arnold. The single "History Repeating" followed, a collaboration with jazz diva Shirley Bassey, fusing big beat with jazz.
Their only album to date is Decksandrumsandrockandroll, released in 1998 by Wall of Sound in the UK and Europe and DreamWorks in the US and Japan. The Dreamworks versions include collaborations with hip hop veterans De La Soul and Jungle Brothers, and the Japanese version is a sought-after 2 Disc Special Edition including some of their earlier singles. A track from the album, "Spybreak!", became widely known after its use in the famous lobby scene in The Matrix.
After touring for their hit album, Will White fell ill. They released Extended Play E.P. in 1998, and in the song "Props' Vote Of Gratitude", Alex Gifford raps for the first time, explaining to the attentive listener that the band would "be back after this short break". Things subsequently went quiet in the Propellerheads camp. Alex moved to New York and produced the Jungle Brothers' 1999 Album V.I.P. in which he raps alongside The Black Eyed Peas among others and Will White provides the drums for the eponymous track. He has also produced a track for Rufus Wainwright ("Shadows") on his 2001 album Poses. White has since released a mix compilation for the Beatz and Bobz series, and he has also appeared as a member of the De-Fex music project.
In October 2003 Wall of Sound commemorated its 10th birthday, and to celebrate, released a two disc album charting 10 years of its pioneering British music. The first CD featured alumni such as Röyksopp, The Wiseguys and Mekon, while Gifford provided a mix CD for the second disc. Surprisingly the first track on that disc was a new song by Propellerheads featuring British rapper Livingroom Johnston, entitled "10 Years". Sadly, shortly after this release they disbanded.
Their song "Take California" was the first song ever to be used in an Apple iPod television ad.
White was part of the live incarnation of Long Range, the now defunct project of Phil Hartnoll of Orbital.
Spybreak!
Propellerheads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The song Spybreak! by Propellerheads is an instrumental track that features an exciting and intense soundscape. The song begins with a repetitive drum break and bassline, which creates a sense of suspense and anticipation. As the song progresses, various electronic elements are introduced, including synths, samples, and guitar riffs, which build upon the initial rhythm and amplify the energy of the track.
The overall tone of the song seems to be inspired by spy thrillers and action movies, which is reflected not only in the title but also in the music itself. The driving rhythm and dynamic instrumentation create a sense of urgency, as if the listener is on a high-speed chase or sneaking through a heavily guarded facility. What makes Spybreak! particularly effective is its ability to maintain an intense tempo while also incorporating moments of pause and restraint, which only serve to heighten the overall impact of the song.
Overall, Spybreak! is an excellent example of how instrumental music can be just as powerful and engaging as vocal-driven songs. The way in which Propellerheads weave together various electronic elements to create an evocative and catchy soundscape is a testament to their talent as producers and composers.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see, I can see, I can see
I am fully aware of everything unfolding around me
Future has passed, and now
The present moment is all that exists, as the future is constantly becoming the present
I can see, I can see, I can see everything
My perception allows me to comprehend all that I am perceiving
In your love, your love, your love, your love, your love
I am consumed by a profound feeling of adoration for you
In your love, I forget myself
My affection for you is so strong that it overshadows my own ego and self-awareness
In your love, your love, your love, your love, your love
My passion for you intensifies with each repetition of this phrase
I don't need nobody else
My love for you is all-encompassing; I do not require any other companionship
In your love, your love, your love, your love, your love
My emotions for you are the sole focus of my being
I'm lost without you
I am incapable of functioning properly in your absence, as you are an integral part of my life
I'm lost without you
My existence is devoid of purpose when you are not present
I'm lost without you
My emotional and psychological state crumbles in your absence
I'm lost without you
You are the sole source of meaning in my life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEX MICHAEL GIFFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
You are missing the Point
on Take California
Let's start our journey and experience the thrill of this adventure by heading towards Baja California
We are honored to have you speak to us and share your thoughts, Senator
We would like to keep something as a souvenir to remember your visit by, Senator
Let's dominate California with our presence and influence
Everything is perfectly fine and we are happy with the way things are going