This is a very carefully put together mix – and it shows. Sandwell District have spent a good amount of time crafting this dark and brooding set, and they’ve gone for a kind of arch form that brings things in gradually, introduces some strong, up-tempo numbers mid set, and then tails away slightly at the end. We begin with the shimmering Silent Servant track ‘A Path Eternal’ and Function’s atmospheric ‘Voiceprint’, but by the time Mary Velo’s ‘Detune’ and JPLS’ ‘Basis’ are in play the energy levels are steadily rising, capped by the sharp cuts of Rroses’ ‘Wedge’ and the sweeping Carl Craig classic ‘Darkness’, before Mark Ernestus’ ‘Mark Ernestus meets the BBC’ introduces a bit of funk. The duo then turn us through strong techno from Planetary Assault Systems, Plastikman and VCMG before coming full circle to end with ‘Voiceprint’ once again. Because of this approach the mix only works if listened to the whole way through, and then its dark but sure footed path can be fully appreciated. Excellent stuff.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
