Experience

Howlett was the only composer on the debut. Of the other members, only Maxim Reality contributed, with vocals on the live closer, Death of the Prodigy Dancers. XL had suggested making an album, and Howlett first wanted a rave concept album inspired by Pink Floyd but dropped the idea. The sleeve notes name-check SL2, Carl Cox, Moby, Tim Westwood, Orbital and Aphex Twin. Five singles came from it: Charly, Everybody in the Place, Fire/Jericho, Out of Space and Wind It Up (Rewound).

Experience reached number 12 in the UK, went platinum, and was licensed to Elektra for the US. Kris Needs wrote in NME that it was a safer bet than any compilation of rave greats to illustrate the rave phenomenon. Moby said it impressed him because the group had created a full listening experience in various styles. In 2008 Alexis Petridis of the Guardian found it utterly of its time, but praised Out of Space and thought Charly sounded more troubled than the novelty rave records it spawned. The expanded 2008 edition ends with the sound of the Pukkelpop crowd singing along to Out of Space in 2005.