Review: Chopshop boss DJ Butcher has never been afraid to share the wealth and this latest is release is no different, featuring four different producers with four different tunes. Butcher bravely steps up with the Eminem-meets-70s soul "Slim Shaddy", Ill Advised goes loop-crazy for the celestial funk joy of "Love Is What We Need" and Voodoo Whiskey goes for the bass twang jugular with "Suck My Sausage". Finally the curtain closes with the tight and sophisticated disco-funk inferno that is "Drama Queen". Hot stuff!
Review: This compilation arrives with a rich heritage of V Recordings compilations behind it, and Planet V has for a number of years been the flagship series for Bryan Gee's label. Edition four comes to a whopping 73 tracks and includes a mix as well, and all the familiar V faces are present, from Alibi to Paul t & Edward Oberon. All of the tunes have already seen the light of day in a previous form, and Disrupta and Duskee's 'Deep Thoughts' is one of the standouts, as Disrupta lays down a minimal yet funky beat for Duskee to rap lyrical over, something he does with serious presence. New gun SL8r makes several appearances, including on the excellent 'What U Need', which bounces along in a synthscape of serious depth and texture, its funky nodes nodding to the beat of a vintage blend. Crossover outfit Think Tonk also shine with 'Tom & Heavy', an offering unique in its stepping, breaksy percussion and one which oozes soulful class. There are dozens more to have a gander at, so take your pick.
Review: Hands down the biggest compilation of trance music to hit 2021 so far is this epic rundown by Armada. Literally 100-tracks large, the compilation delivers extended versions of tracks by much loved trance royalty in Armin Van Buuren and Above & Beyond to intriguing collaborations between Paul van Dyke & Sue McLaren, Ferry Corsten & Trance Wax (tip!) or Tinlicker & Robert Miles (classic!). Dig deeper still and you'll find diamonds from Chicane, Elysian, Maarten De Jong and the undeniable Ilan Bluestone. Buy one, by them all!
