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Shiloh - Mana - 20-Apr-06 05:26 AM
The Shiloh moniker seems to be synonymous with quality music, but I think "Mana" might be the Moreh brother's most substantial work to date. The original mix is an ethereal breaks track that simply oozes proggy melodic perfection. It has an almost ethnic vibe to it, though not because of any specific samples or sounds the producers use, but in the melancholic and slightly mysterious emotion evoked by the song's glowing atmospherics and mesmerizingly beautiful plucking synth arpeggios. This is quite simply the work of master virtuosos. Here's hoping Shiloh continue their streak of what seems like effortlessly producing innovative tracks of superior quality for years to come.

Nick Warren - Global Underground #028: Shanghai - 18-Jan-06 08:59 PM
GU025: Shanghai is Nick Warren's finest and most unique mix CD to date. What really sets this mix apart from Nick's previous mixes and pretty much every other mix CD on the market right now is that nobody else sounds like this. Whereas most DJs in 2005 are spinning some form of electro-tinged house, be it disco-esque funk, deeper progressive or just tech house, nobody sounds like Nick Warren right now. And considering the vast amount of genres Nick has managed to include here, this is rather surprising.

Further expanding upon the more subdued and melodic sounds that Nick first explored on his Reykjavik compilation and on the oustanding Don't Look Now bonus mix CD, CD1 is a fantastic headphone or at home experience. The first three tracks are particularly lush and majestic with SJ Esau's "Fat Cat" being one of the finest opening tracks I've ever heard. By the time track four rolls around, the kick drum picks up and we're treated to some of the more rocking tunes in Nick's box. The driving groove of BCML's "Mr. Horrowitz" and the absolutely gorgeous "Sunshine" by Starecase are personal highlights, though there really isn't a weak track anywhere to be heard.

CD2 picks up right where CD1 leaves off. The mix starts off innocently enough with the dreamy "Natural High" by Chimera, but we're soon treated to diverse array of genres that Nick masterfully arranges and manipulates to create one of his most rocking and enjoyable sets to date. He effortlessly blends garage rock and breaks into acid house and progressive. Once again, there isn't a weak track to be found. Shiloh's superb remix of Pop Shuvit's "Conversations" and Kosmas Epsilon's anthemic "Sorry For Being Rude" are easy highlights, though you could really single out any track as a highlight. The inclusion of the 1990 acid house classic "Acperience 1" by Hardfloor will be a highlight for many. The last four tracks of the mix build to a blurry emotional peak in Derek Howell's "Your Touch" before fading out.

Overall, a unique, diverse and thoroughly enjoyable compilation by Nick Warren. I could almost universally recommend this album to anyone. Long time Nick Warren fans, new fans who just started enjoying his work with Reykjavik (like myself), electronic music fans looking for an alternative to the electro-tinged house that's all the rage these days, Northern Exposure fans, and pretty much anyone who enjoys melodic electronic dance music will love this mix.

Sasha - Fundacion NYC - 20-Aug-05 03:42 AM
2004's Involver showed Sasha experimenting with new technology and redefining the way a DJ and music interact in the studio. The album received almost universal acclaim and this year's NYC Fundacion takes the experimentation further to a semi-live environment. The results of this experimentation are excellent. There are literally no transitions between any of the tracks, and discerning between one track and the other is an exercise in futility. Elements of one track might be carried well into the next track, and even several tracks after that. Sasha's mixing is the best its ever been, and this style of mixing and live remixing makes for an interesting and fresh listening experience.

Where the album fails though, is in the most fundamental element that makes or breaks a mix album: track selection. Sasha, like every other major DJ it seems has jumped on the electro house bandwagon, and the tracks he's selected for this album will most likely disappoint long-time Sasha fans. While there are a few stand-out tracks here and there (mostly the one's that actually sound like coherent music), the majority of the album, especially the second half is filled with experimental glitchy-electro that really isn't all that pleasing to the ear. It's not minimal, but it's not really melodic either. After a couple of listens, the CD does grow on you somewhat (like most mix CDs) and you'll appreciate the superb flow Sasha creates. But without the great music that has highlighted so many of Sasha's fantastic releases in the past, what's the point? Long-time Sasha fans should proceed with caution. Don't get me wrong, there are merits to this release (the mixing, the 3 or 4 standout tracks), but don't be surprised when you find yourself a little disappointed after listening to 70+ minutes of superbly mixed bland music.

Luke Chable Presents Quest - The Shepherd - 17-Aug-05 10:14 PM
Of the 70+ productions/remixes Luke Chable has given us in the last three years, this has got to rank in the top 5 for sheer quality and brilliance. Released under Luke's alias Quest, "The Shepherd" is just fantastic. The two minute intro is hazy and atmospheric, but wait until about the two minute mark when the high hats drop suddenly, and a whirl of sweeping playful melodies frame a sole thundering kick drum. The sound is all at once deep, beautiful and epic. This is quintissential Luke Chable, and maybe his finest original production after "Ride".

Cass v Slide* - Diablo - 09-Jun-05 04:54 AM
Cass & Slide's first, and one of their best. Evolution's redub is irresistably bubbly and energetic. But don't neglect the flip! Cass and Slide's own Advocate Mix is great as well. It's electrifingly energetic, deep, melodic, complex, and not one bit cheesy. Progressive trance at it's finest.

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