Irish producer Garth McNamee (aka Polska) is not your average studio dweller in 21st century Drum & Bass. That's immediately obvious as he cites Paradox, Seiji and 4-Hero as being his biggest influences in that scene. His musical digest has always been wide and his productions have also been inspired by the jazz compositions of people like Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock and the ambient stylings of Boards Of Canada. “2nd Rate” is a reference to how these outside influences are transposed into the realm of D&B and given a new life. This album features six previously unreleased tracks aswell as two incendiary remixes by 0=0 and Equinox (of Planet Mu fame). The title track of the album proper, "2nd Rate", is also included but has been mastered differently this time around. The track selection on this bonus album is more for the headstrong than that on the original 2xCD release but it still has a meditative quality. Polska's music, like all the best Drum & Bass, manages to delicately balance the rough and the smooth.