Joe Claussell has taken the mix album to another dimension way beyond the normal selection. This is more of an artist’s album as he mixes sympathetic outside tracks with his own tunes and links to make an enthralling, intoxicating journey. There’s a definite UR-Jeff Mills flavour to the New York DJ’s philosophy about alien beings and the quest for spiritual purity. Apart from the sleevenotes, there are spoken and ambient links and an overall sense of going where no man has gone before. Sometimes it comes over like a New York Orb minus the daft humour, but character, sonic skill and a sense of deep calm prevail. I’m delighted to see New Jersey’s Slam Mode still in action after the sublime outings they created on the legendary Right Area label over 10 years ago. The section where the ethereal cosmic sprinkle of their ‘Umri’ glides into the subterranean heartbeat of Carl Craig’s ‘Sandstorm’, then ‘The Clouds Are Gone’ by Alton Miller penetrates Virgo 4’s ’89 Trax classic ‘In A Vision’ is breathtaking and just one of the highlights in a remarkable voyage. Jeff Mills contributes a soaring female vocal outing in ‘Now Is the Time’ while Vince Watson’s ‘Mystical Rhythm’ and King Brit’s remix of Soul Dharma’s ‘Flower’ keep it in the stratosphere. ‘Translate’ is ambitious with lofty pretentions and not an instant hit, but after a dozen listens, new substratas and messages are still revealed. The effort is well worth it.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: KRIS NEEDS
