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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 brothers 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 songs glowing atmospherics and mesmerizingly beautiful plucking synth arpeggios. This is quite simply the work of master virtuosos. Heres 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 Warrens finest and most unique mix CD to date. What really sets this mix apart from Nicks 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 Dont 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 Esaus "Fat Cat" being one of the finest opening tracks Ive ever heard. By the time track four rolls around, the kick drum picks up and were treated to some of the more rocking tunes in Nicks box. The driving groove of BCMLs "Mr. Horrowitz" and the absolutely gorgeous "Sunshine" by Starecase are personal highlights, though there really isnt 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 were 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 isnt a weak track to be found. Shilohs superb remix of Pop Shuvits "Conversations" and Kosmas Epsilons 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 Howells "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 thats 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
2004s 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 years 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. Sashas 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 hes 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 ones that actually sound like coherent music), the majority of the album, especially the second half is filled with experimental glitchy-electro that really isnt all that pleasing to the ear. Its not minimal, but its not really melodic either. After a couple of listens, the CD does grow on you somewhat (like most mix CDs) and youll appreciate the superb flow Sasha creates. But without the great music that has highlighted so many of Sashas fantastic releases in the past, whats the point? Long-time Sasha fans should proceed with caution. Dont get me wrong, there are merits to this release (the mixing, the 3 or 4 standout tracks), but dont 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 Lukes 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 & Slides first, and one of their best. Evolutions redub is irresistably bubbly and energetic. But dont neglect the flip! Cass and Slides own Advocate Mix is great as well. Its electrifingly energetic, deep, melodic, complex, and not one bit cheesy. Progressive trance at its finest.

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