Soma At Juno Download

Review: Critically acclaimed debut album and the success of both Slam and Silicone Soul, Soma also had contributions on the label from Joris Voorn, Samuel L. Session and Itamar Sagi. Judging by the wealth of talent on this compilation, 2010 looks set to be a continuation of their superb work.

Established in 1991, Soma has been instrumental in Scotland's techno scene, pushing the likes of Slam, Funk D'Void and Silicone Soul on their way to the international stars that they have become. Still today, they manage to remain ahead of the game and their 2010 compilation showcases this in emphatic style.

This edition of their annual label compilation both looks back at their last year and then also on into the future. Joris Voorn and D'Julz are both on remixing duty for Slam tracks. Voorn takes on the label bosses' "Ghost Song" whereas D'Julz's dub of the classic "Positive Education" finds its way into the middle of the mix. Other established artists come in the form of Christian Prommer, The Black Dog and Funk D'Void. In keeping with their ethos of pushing up and coming talent, the highly touted Gary Beck and Harvey McKay both make an appearance before the compilation is closed by a remix courtesy of Warp's Autechre.

Soma has always released well selected, relevant and forward thinking compilations. Their 2010 bumper edition is no different. It not only celebrates their superb 2009, but also goes some way to showing us what we can expect for the forthcoming year. Dancefloor here we come!

Review: In trying to put together a compilation to mark two decades, the people behind the Glasgow label have decided not to equate 'classic' with 'anthem'. Granted, there are big unit-shifting hits here like "Positive Education" and "Right On, Right On", but there are also lesser known releases that still glitter and sparkle despite the passage of time. At one end of this forgotten gem spectrum there's the epic synths and searing bass of the Heavenly mix of Funk D'Void's "Diabla" and the E-tingling, wide eyed brilliance of Slam's proto-prog "Eterna", while at the other end, there's the deep, repetitive techno of Percy X's "X-Trak 1" and the emotive melodies and complex polyrhythms of Black Dog's "Cost 2". Added to this is Daft Punk's unreleased "Drive", whose rolling snares and wild siren riffs sound like "Rolling and Scratching" jacked up on angel dust and you've got an unforgettable way to celebrate 20 years.