Fused (35 New Directions In Indie-Dance) is a defining 1997 compilation from Polygram TV that captures the peak of the UK's "indie-dance" crossover era. Serving as a spiritual successor to the Wired series, it curates a sophisticated mix of trip-hop, electronica, and big beat. The collection is celebrated for its moody, late-night atmosphere, featuring heavyweights like Orbital, Portishead, and Underworld. Rather than focusing solely on club anthems, it prioritises "intelligent" electronic music that resonated with both Britpop fans and underground ravers.
The album is structured across two discs, balancing high-energy remixes with melancholic downtempo tracks. Notable highlights include Hardfloor’s driving remix of Depeche Mode and the haunting "Spin Spin Sugar" by Sneaker Pimps. Critics and listeners alike often praise the compilation for its cohesive flow, moving seamlessly from the cinematic energy of The Saint theme to the experimental textures of Björk and Goldie. Even decades later, it remains a nostalgic time capsule of a period when electronic music was becoming the new alternative standard.