Plate #2 in the Covert Ops Series 3 release - "Mescaline" is probably my pick for the whole series. The first breakdown sets the tone with a vocal sample from The Matrix, "You ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're awake or still dreaming?...All the time, it's called mescaline." I really like the way the track evolves because it can be used to come out of a more atmospheric mix or move into the harder side of things. If I had to compare it to another track it would be Kiko's "Passport". "Fast & Furious" brings things a bit harder with 16th note basslines and trancey synths from the man ICR. Also coming from his production skills is part 2 of the flipside called "Primavera" (my 2nd fav. tune in the series). The drum breaks were worked a bit more and are even graced by the vocal talents of Enya throughout. I would not put this at a highpoint of a mix, but it is an extremely musical tune to be enjoyed at any time.

It should be noted that the original remix of this Ghost In The Shell theme was done by Makai and released as "Beneath The Mask" on Catalog#:P08. Despite not being the first, it was still very original and a quality remix.

While Tech Itch already had a few dubstep realeases under his belt, I felt this was the first one to really take hold of the dubstep vibe and sound. He escaped the "dnb producer trying to make dubstep" group and joined the dubstep alumni. The atmospherics in Winter are so beautiful and a fresh change from his usual sound. Stone Breaker reminded me alot more of his roots with the rave stabs and more hardcore samples, while sticking to the dubstep format.

Oshima was a monumental track for me. I previously had a minimal interest in Klute, but this gave me a genuine respect for his music (and all of his back catalogue). This song contains all the musical elements of a real hit and is a pleasure to listen to throughout the whole five minutes and thiry seconds. Other producers need to take note from this man.

The Return of Forever remix is a pure personification of the "trance 'n bass" sound. This was one of the last releases before John B fell into blackhole of electro/80's music. I think this is better than the original, but I supposed that could be disputed by High Contrast followers.