The Electronic Architecture series is the ideal showcase for Solarstone as a DJ. In an ambitious set of three mixes, we have what he describes as ‘the deep and immersive sounds of disc 1, the melodic pure energy of disc 2 and the slow-motion soundscapes of disc 3’. Each is compiled with great attention to detail and mixed with an impressive fluidity, as if we’re listening to one long track. His track choices are excellent, blending almost without a join, so that the cool breakdown of Salt Tank’s ‘Phoenix’ near start of second mix, for example, moves effortlessly into Liam Wilson’s ‘Kiss’, while the edit of Nils Frahms’ ‘Dedication, Loyalty’ that follows later is a particularly beautiful, glassy moment, a slowly moving piano line projected onto a widescreen. Meanwhile on the first disc 16 Bit Lolitas’ ‘Beat Organ’, Guy J’s remix of Ambassador’s ‘The Fade’ and Solarstone’s own ‘Nothing But Chemistry Here’ stand out as cuts of real clarity, class and energy. The third disc reworks a number of tracks heard on the first two mixes at a much slower tempo, offering sweeping and atmospheric extras such as Winkee’s ‘Awakening’ and Rischaad’s ‘Razorbeam’, as well as a beautifully pointed downbeat version of the Nils Frahm track above. It’s the ideal complement of two sets of unpretentious trance that’s somehow energetic yet cool – and brilliantly mixed.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
{http://soundcloud.com/solarstone/ea3-mini-mix}
