Deetron’s contributions to DJ Kicks is a homespun affair, in that it contains vocals from some friends in the style of a mixtape. It also focuses on Deetron’s first loves, integrating soulful vocals and techno while also using three decks in a more live approach. It works really well, especially when the soul / techno interface is achieved – and one of Deetron’s own productions does this best, the lovely, heady vocal of Ani’s ‘Morning Factory’ blending with the cool keys of Deetron and Steve Spacek’s collaboration ‘Choose Me’. Detroit and Chicago feature heavily in a thinly disguised homage to the Swiss DJ’s past, with star turns from Carl Craig, Derrick May and Mr Fingers, but there is still room among the 34 tracks for Spacetime Continuum, Radio Slave and a closing cameo from Jessy Lanza. A blissful and stimulating hour in the company of one of techno’s finest talents.
Ben Hogwood
5 out of 5
VARIOUS ARTISTS – DJ KICKS: DEETRON – !K7 COMPILATIONS / TECHNO
