(Renaissance/Stomp)

The latest Renaissance compilation to hit the shelves sees two of the biggest names in progressive and breaks taking us on their own individual sonic journeys. Both DJs need no introduction. Dave Seaman, a frequent visitor to Australian shores, is renown for his smooth flowing seamlessly mixed progressive sets. This compilation is an initiative and the first project for his new brand Therapy, a company incorporating his DJ agency, parties and record label. To assist in mixing duties for this project Seaman has recruited Melbourne breakbeat maestro Phil K, the man dubbed by the likes of Sasha and Anthony Pappa as ‘technically the best in the world’, to mix a second disc.  Both mixes are emotive in feel however the differences between two are strikingly distinct. Whereas Seaman takes us on what is mostly a smooth flowing ride, Phil K forces you to hold on a bit tighter as he twists and turns his way through his mix.

The first disc is Seaman’s and he starts off on an atmospheric note with Habersham’s Transparent Sound. However he doesn’t always stay in 4/4 territory, as is the case with the very next track. He seems to be ‘producer of the moment’ and his track Melburn is a perfect example of Luke Chable’s prowess. It’s layered, progressive flowing, melodic nature is a highlight to this mix and sets up for a strong early start. Things start to float around a bit from here as he seamlessly moves between Jeff Bennet’s Swapping, Sterio & McGrath’s Hostile Ground, Powerplant’s Blame (Luke Chable mix), and Cass’ Giant. It’s Infusion’s current single Girls Can Be Cruel that allows for any real transition to take place. The Infusion sQ’ed mix on the disc doesn’t have the randomness of the original but has enough stomp to grab the attention and take the mix up a notch into its homeward stretch. The momentum is continued until winding down at the end with Stel & Goodnewz’ Particle.

What Phil K’s second disc offers is quite different in the effect it has on the ears. The tracks he chooses don’t allow for a smooth, uninterrupted ride. Polanski’s Film Song #1 creates a bleak and mellow feeling to start off with. Vance Musgrove’s Music for the 24th & a half Century builds upon this over close to nine minutes of dreamy, floating breakbeats. This is built upon again by DJ Jacques, Uber & Fosch’s Slow Talking, which picks up the tempo and mood with added percussion. The PQM Project & Phil K track They Just Won’t Let Me Be is a personal highlight, a slow burner which combines bluesy guitars and vocals, a humming bass line and a 4/4 beat. The way this effortlessly blends into Nubreed’s One Day is uncanny but it’s from here the mix takes a turn towards the unexpected. Through tracks by The Operators (Furball), Habersham (Follow The White Rabbit), The Discipline Grin (Odditease) and Andy Page (Mr Rush) the mix gets a littler darker, deeper, tougher and glitchier before coming out again at Nubreed’s mix of The Crystal Method’s Born too Slow.

Personal tasted will determine which of the two mixes you prefer. If you like a smooth, uninterrupted atmospheric mix then Seaman will probably suit you. However for me Phil K’s mix takes the cake. His carefully crafted sound scape offers depth, surprises and balls that’s lacking in many compilations at the moment.

Therapy Sessions is available through Stomp/EQ now at all good music retailers. I recommend you give it a listen.