This is claimed to be the first DJ Kicks ‘double’, though I’m sure I remember Nicolette being allowed two sets a number of years back. Not that this really matters of course, especially when you’re listening to the sets DJ Tennis has put together, for they are designed to ease the pressure of day to day life. Tennis – real name Manfredi Romano – casts the net far and wide for his ambient odyssey, the result being a collection that will appeal to hardened collectors as much as those dipping their toes in the water. Jon Hopkins, as he so often does, pulls in the attention with the wonderful ‘Vessel’ early on in the first mix, after which Pole finds ambience in inner machine workings, remixed by Tennis himself. The second mix enjoys a slightly quicker tempo but shows that greater movement can still give off blissful feelings, and the likes of Basic Channel, Robert Hood and The Other People Place all contribute heavily to an introspective yet cleansing mix. Loscil’s ‘Sickbay’ stands out, as does the DJ Kicks exclusive, where Tennis and Fink combine strongly for ‘Certain Angles’. Strongly recommended.
Ben Hogwood
5 out of 5
VARIOUS ARTISTS – DJ KICKS: DJ TENNIS (!K7)
