As your writer types this there’s sunshine cascading through the windows. Spring is in the air, and although it’ll probably be raining by the end of the week there’s a definite sense of better times ahead. For dance music fans that usually means two things; festivals and Ibiza. Right on time to capitalise on this sudden surge of the feel good mind-set in ravers is Cocoon’s annual curtain raising compilation, the simply titled Neun. The yearly statement of intent from the German uber imprint, it’s once again helmed by Sven Vath protégé Chris Tietjen, and for anyone who’s held a salutary fist in the air or grinned gleefully on the Cocoon dancefloor, you’ll know exactly what to expect.Which is exactly what is delivered. Tietjen patiently mixes up a slickly curated, excellently paced ensemble of premier house and techno, which build through the delicate intricacies of Matt John up to more visceral stompers from Popof, Mauro Picotto and wAFF.
Personal highlights include the brilliant ‘When the Wild Horse’ from Nick Curly and Sante & Frank Lorber’s ‘All about’, both leaving you chomping at the bit to get out into the thick of it. By the time the swirling sonics of ‘Mind Against’ from Argo closes out the mix, the chiming synths luring you back from euphoric nirvana, you’re pretty much spent.
A Ronsealite collection of four to the four wickedness, this isn’t re-inventing the wheel but for many this is the start of better times ahead for the party season; we’re hooked in. See you down the front.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Jimmy Coultas
