(Global Underground/Shock)

Global Underground’s new series, 24:7, is an exploration of what it means to be addicted to the music. The first instalment is a radical mix by current scene man-of-the-moment, Danny Howells. A ten-year veteran, with an unearthly ability to connect with his audience, Danny is set to excite audiences this year, a fact exemplified by his #12 ranking in DJ magazine’s recent Top 100 DJs poll.

What a brilliant double CD this is! I can’t stop listening to it and each time I do I still get goose bumps!

I was recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Danny Howells about this album and after chatting to him about it I feel privileged to hear what is a very personal effort on his part. It is inspiring to hear a lot of the music that he doesn’t get to play out in clubs but is still passionate about.

Disc 1 – Day

Well what a departure from the driving and tribal progressive house that Danny Howells is famous for! This CD demonstrates to me that this is one talented DJ who certainly does deserve his No. 12 rating in DJ magazine’s DJ poll. Danny smoothly glides through what is some of the most interesting, cutting edge and down-tempo music to be found on a Global Underground compilation. He flows through electronica, chilled out choons, glitch and even some minimal techno and gives the listener an exquisite aural experience.

All of the tracks are excellent and its difficult to name just a few stand out tracks, but Invisible Things (Mescalito’s Mix) by The Black Dog & Black Sifichi really caught my attention. Its subtle funk bass-line, voice-overs and occasional guitar strings are impressive and keep begging for your attention.

Each track blends so perfectly into the next it is actually not about paying attention to the different tracks but rather letting you relax and go with the Danny Howells flow. It is cruisy, relaxing and inspiring and carries a soft but definite flow of energy. I guess that could explain the goose bumps I keep getting?

Danny has included music from Static, Telefon Tel Aviv and Funckarma and said that he based his selection for the Day Disc around these tracks. They certainly set the dreamy mood for the Day Disc and are worthy of their inclusion. All the tracks on offer by these artists have glitchy elements through them, which I found very enjoyable. The fact that it’s a departure from Danny’s normal style is also interesting as he mixes these tracks superbly.

The final track on this disc is a favourite of mine by DJ Shadow – You Can’t Go Home Again. It’s sample of El Condor Paso and funky bass-lines are excellent and set the pace for what is to come on the Night Disc.

In summary Day Disc is perfect for chilling out, having a social drink or just floating around your lounge room. Do yourself a favour and have a listen to some very interesting music.

Disc 2 – Night

The tempo jumps straight away with the Night Disc. Bent’s An Ordinary Day starts the proceedings on a light and happy note. But its no messing around from Mr Howells as the second track mixes in, here is the tribal style that he is known for. Sam Paganini’s Into Africa is right on the mark! Deep drums, percussion, ah yes, that’s the trick!

The whole night CD is brilliant progressive and tribal house. This is the CD I have been dreaming of. Well thought out track selection, mixing as pure as liquid gold and beats that leave me with a broad smile. Tracks like Bubbles by Vince Watson and the outstanding Keep It Real by Sexonwax – with its rap-like vocals – pick the tempo up with enthusiasm and capture my full attention.

There is no doubt about it – this CD is smooth! It washes over you and just when you think it impossible to get more excited, it turns the corner and offers you another brilliant surprise. What I find most enjoyable about it is that it is all ever so subtle. You can feel how much effort has gone into the planning and production of this CD. Danny Howells was right; it’s a very personal offering.

Stand out tracks are Rush by The Idiots, The Silent Bass by Heiko Laux and Sambou by Laurent Garnier. But, as I said, its very difficult to pick stand out tracks as the entire CD blends to become one experience … and what an experience that is!

My thanks to Danny Howells for delivering a landmark CD. It will certainly be a difficult act for those who follow him in the 24:7 series.