(Wagram/ Creative Vibes)

Robbie Rivera is what you’d call a bit of a house legend. Known for some pretty cool productions and remixes including Feel This, Girlfriend and Vertigo, he has now hit the record box again and released this, the latest instalment in the Tribal Mix series.  Robbie’s abilities have seen him work with some big names too, like Madonna, Carlos Santana, Kylie and other house favs like Felix Da Housecat. Rivera also runs his own label Juicy Music from his Miami studio.  His style has been described as pounding and sexy with an emphasis on vocals and melodics. Safe to say then, that is the vibe evident right though this compilation.

The mix begins with Shake it – DJ Rooster & Sammy Peralta – a warm up number with a nice synth and voice over which makes for a neat intro while the handbags arrive and the first round of drinks is served.  By Beautiful wome’ – Melvin Reese you have the more driving sound he is known for – and this gives some idea of the direction of the CD for the beats are tough and driving. So many times - Gadjo has a more timeless vibe and could become [is already?] a classic tracks of the moment.  All of keys, strings and a mysterious yet sexy vocal play a part in making this a get-up tune. But it’s Master of drums by Robbie himself that really introduces the tribal vibe of the album as the drums become build in intensity and chant chant, I feel like I’m in Monrovia. The Generation - DJ Pedro slows the pace but is still on the drum tip with a lovely breakdown. And from here, it builds bit by bit – by the time all the drums and cymbals are crashing about the place. It’s what you would call a tribalistic finale.

The mixing is not the most sublime ever and while the track listing is solid, the mix doesn’t leave you frothing at the mouth. I’m sure the handbags will love it as will fans of this particular style of house music. But for me it’s more Prada than Adidas.