Brazilian industry don Renato Ratier has really embarked on his most fruitful production patch of late, with a string of esteemed releases – not to mention a brilliant album in the shape of Black Belt – really helping to put both himself and his club, D-Edge, on the global map. Indeed, the label’s latest endeavor sees him return to the album which served him so well over the past while, as he rounds up another chorus of brilliant remixers to tackle the album.
And it’s a good job that the album was as eclectic as it was, as this is an LP that’s not lacking in the diversity stakes. Versatile and loaded with tracks of numerous persuasions, it starts off with Laura Jones’ expert interpretation of Guixestar. The Leeds native has really been on fire recently with her productions and if you need any proof that she’s far from just a one trick pony, you need only check this one out – a sure fire dancefloor gem if ever there was one.
The pace set by Jones’ early remix doesn’t let up either, although whether this is a conscious decision by those involved is something of a moot point. Anyway, MANDY’s remix of 3 Bulls is really excellent, and while we haven’t heard so much from Patrick and Philipp in recent years, they’re most definitely still accomplished producers. Light and delicate but with enough oomph to move bodies on the floor, this one too is a veritable delight. Boris Werner’s remix of Black Belt is another heavy track – although this time because it expertly draws the line between house and techno without resorting to any tired clichés.
Anderson Noise and Phil Kieran both deliver as you expect they might, but the next track of real note is Mike Shannon’s remix of Tea Time. A truly distinguished number, of all those on show I’d expect this one to have the longest shelf life of all those involved. Kate Simko and Ryan Crosson both opt for unconventional approaches, but it’s the likes of Shannon’s remix – as well as Nuno Dos Santos’ synth-marching edit of Miss Stereom, which will live longest in the memory. Such remix packages can often be inspipid and generic affairs, but in Ratier’s case, the opposite is the case. Really astute work all round.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ian Fleming
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