(Audio Therapy/Stomp)

This release stems from the Audio Therapy label and as indicated by the nice art graphic on the front of the cd which features label leader and respected progressive DJ: Dave Seaman. The release comes in a two disc format; the first is a mix compilation while the second presents some of the tracks from the first disc in their original form unmixed, as well as other inclusions from this diverse label. The CD aims to highlight some of the labels upcoming and unreleased material and is mixed by Dave Seaman himself. The compilation moves through tracks from huge names in the progressive arena such as Phil K, Killahurtz, Tone Depth, Kosmas Epsilon to name a few.

The first disc kicks off slowly with Quiet and the instantly recognisable classic Infusion – Legacy is layered over the top before leading into the next tune Dryspell flawlessly. This tune sets the mood for the first half of the cd with its smooth beats and continually evolving sound scape. The next three tracks are by producer Kosmas Epsilon and each of them adds to the growing intensity of the mix. Monster Puppy, literally snaps into the mix with some tight electro flavoured sounds backed by a humongous bassline in tow. The layered melodies and sounds rock along throughout the track leaving you lost amongst the crazy sounds.

As the mix continues next up the V Sag remix of Ill Ssa arrives consisting of dark driving progressive sounds guaranteed to get your head bopping. This third track from Epsilon is possibly my favourite, mainly due to the storming nature of the powerful kick and tight percussion working harmoniously alongside some beautiful melodies and smooth whispering vocals. Continuing on take in an Oliver Moldan remix of Phil K & Habersham – Cloudbrake with the vocals from the labels previous release My Own Worst Enemy, the track featured on disk two without the overpowering nature of the overlaid vocals. Following on from this is the fierce percussion and tight bassline of Oliver Molden Presents Prawler – Marraca$h.

Towards the end of the mix we see a great remake of Stel Feat John Elliott – Finding Time included with its memorable melodic vocals. Whilst men of the moment Killahertz feature with a Hybrid mix of Kiss For The Dying. The final two tunes finish in style with the dark vibes of Tone Depth Feat Matt Shapiro – To The Moon and the positive house vibes of Phatjak – Dirty Sunday (Dimi Phaze Mix). The second disk is left unmixed providing a valuable resource for anyone out there with CDJ’s to complement the first disk. Some of the highlights include: Oliver Moldan’s tough mix of Cloudbrake, Walsh & Coutre Mix of My Own Worst Enemy, the smashing Ashland – Clear (Stel & Tone Depth Mix), and the clean vibe of Killahurtz – Kiss For The Dying (Hybrid Matrix Dub). Best track on the CD in my opinion goes to the captivating bassline sounds of Panopticon – Revealing The Door (Sean Quinn & Dan Mangan Mix).

Overall, this is a sublime collection of smooth, complex tunes, most of which are of a very high standard and this one will definitely grow on you with each listen. The mixing is stellar and Dave Seaman has structured the mix perfectly resulting in mix which cannot be stopped halfway. The inclusion of the second disc containing full length versions of some of the tracks as well as some other inclusions from the label’s extensive catalogue is an excellent idea. This allows all the DJs and fans who mix using CD decks to be able to use tracks included in their mixes rather than having to order the full length MP3’s (or order the respective vinyl releases). If you are a fan of quality melodic progressive this one will definitely please and make sure to get your hands on a copy. Highly Recommended.