The X 5 CD set is certainly underwhelming; it has its moments but essentially amounts to nothing more than a compilation of random collaborations with no kind of unifying theme.
For me BN were at their best during the early Wiese / Wood period. The old analog sound was elevated by Wiese's digital manipulations and for the period really stood out as something quite fresh; the longer 'Space Drone' pieces are the BN tracks which I most often return to.
In my opinion the more recent stuff suffers from an over use of the Trogotronic equipment. The insistence on the core sound being based these instruments is what seems to hold the project back from pushing its creativity and developing a direction away from stagnation.
Recently picked up the BN / Sickness collaboration and Doomed Expedition, the latter being rather good. Recorded live at No Fun Fest 2009 I believe, straight through the mixing desk by Chris Goudreau, it sounds massive and Wood's performance stands out as visceral and vibrant and gives life to the bass heavy, rhythmic electronics - it's funny how Nelson's own personal equipment sounds far superior to any of his stock pieces; maybe it's just the way he utilises them... hmm.
