For how many years now have I found myself trotting out these same variations on an eternal theme when confronted with Soma’s annual compilation of best bits from the year? All that needs to be done is repeat that the label unleashed some of the year’s best electronic outings, several milestones and raised the bar again despite the inevitable drawback of going download only for some releases. These highlights are towering indeed: the Black Dog past and present, the Repeat Repeat Mix of Let’s Go Outside’s ‘I’ll Lick your Spine’, which was sexiest tune of the year, the Unknown Wanderer, Silicone Soul’s sublime ‘Bad Machines’, the return of Funk D’Void and two from Lee Van Dowski, including the gargantuan hippo erection of ‘The Strike Pandemonium’. And, of course, the year was made a corker by Slam releasing their fourth album Human response, trailered by the mercurial ‘Azure’, which now ranks as one of techno’s all-time classics. That’s here with ‘No One Left To Follow’, which could be true but, again, Soma provides an indication that electronic music couldn’t be in a healthier condition in certain parts.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
