Lone describes his DJ Kicks compilation as ‘a weird midnight radio show’ where you can ‘zone in and zone out’. He’s on the money with that one, as it’s a really enjoyable and slightly fuzzy homage to all the music he loves – while throwing in the considerable bonus of four new tracks. Early on the focus is more hip hop based, establishing a slower tempo but digging deep for earthy cuts such as Camu Tao’s ‘Hold The Floor’. Gradually the tempo quickens, moving through electro-ambient bliss from Boards Of Canada to deeper house from Nostalgia (aka John Beltran) before settling on the lovely, warm ‘Arc’ – one of Lone’s new contributions for this mix – and it keeps the fuzzy, analogue elements to the front of the mix beautifully, channelling the spirit of the early 1990s. From here on it’s a more explicit party tape, especially with the likes of Ross From Friends’ ‘The Outsiders’ and the squiggly electro of Drexciya’s ‘Bubble Metropolis’ to enjoy, before Radiohead’s ‘Worrywort’ makes an inspired closing choice, a late night beauty of comforting weirdness. It caps a thoroughly enjoying hour in the company of Matt Cutler, who proves to be a late night DJ par excellence.
Ben Hogwood
5 out of 5
VARIOUS ARTISTS – DJ KICKS: LONE !K7
