(Central Station/MRA)

Fuzzy Breaks Volume 2 follows on from the first in the series of 2002, which featured Sydneysider Q45 and UK perennial visitor Krafty Kuts. This time around on mixing duties are Krafty’s Fingerlickin’ label mates Drumattic Twins and Sydney DJ of the moment James Taylor. On offer are two discs of funky chunky dance floor breaks; fun, well mixed, but by no means groundbreaking.

The Drumattic Twins are the dex’n’fx outfit of Englishmen Lanx and Nick Slater. Last visiting these shores for the Parklife tour in October 2005, they’re renown for their upbeat, energetic and uncompromising dancefloor breaks. They kick off the first disc and one of the best things about their contribution is that half of the 14 tracks are either their own originals or remixes, adding a stamp of personality to the mix. Fingerlickin’ stable mates Plump DJs, Slyde and Soul of Man all make contributions, as do Rogue Element, Nitro and Wavewhore. This is music for when you’re already on the dancefloor, music that will make sure you stay there with it’s relentless driving break beats.

James Taylor takes control on disc two and it’s immediate apparent upon listening that this should have been the first disc. Whilst playing it safe with a list of mostly familiar names (Plumps DJ’s, Fort Knox Five, Stanton Warriors, Slyde, Elite Force and Atomic Hooligan), there’s no denying Taylor’s ability to craft a mix a together with an incredibly infectious groove (in fact half the reason this review is so late is that I’d thought I’d lost this disc – only to find it on high rotation in my fiancés car!). Taylor grabs your attention early on with more of a funk fuelled beginning, holding you throughout at as he keeps upping the ante and taking you for the ride.

In Sydney Fuzzy are best known for the large-scale events Field Day and Park Life. Such releases as this are sure to increase the Fuzzy brand presence into the national market place. Both discs are very accessible and sure to open the breaks sound to a wider audience. This compilation is sure to be a party pleaser and warrants repeated listens. All in all good fun and a solid release.