Welcome to the twisted, warped, acidic and grooving sound that is Josh Wink! There are few artists, DJs, label owners, etc, that fall into the category that I place Mr. Wink, and I’m not sure if it was his ability to rearrange my mind and consciousness at Creamfields in Andalucia or if it is his quality productions that continually place him that notch ahead of most. Either way, the man is high on my ratings list. This Ministry Of Sound release is the fifth in the Sessions series but of course is also available under Wink’s own American label Ovum and, believe me, it is well worth a listen.

The first disc (sub-conscious) is a delightful entrée to what is delivered though the overall journey of both disks. It starts off in typical Wink panache, deep, minimalesque and with a highly intelligent elegance. Run Stop Restore’s ‘Corporal’ begins proceedings, oozing effortlessly into Donacha Costello’s ‘Colorseries Blue B’, before ‘Rancho Relaxo’ gives us the first gear change with a slightly jacked up groove. By the time Quinn & Benny Rodrigues’s “7up” floats in, the scene has suddenly all changed. The funky melodies replaced by devilishly haunting drones and we are taken deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. This CD drips with class and artistry, not only does the mixing and blending of tracks leave the listener in awe, was are also treated to an unreleased remix of Wink’s own ‘Higher State of Consciousness’ as well as Wink’s exclusive remix of Radiohead’s ‘Everything In It’s Right Place’. Shear audio orgasms.

The second disc (conscious) takes off where the first left off. At this stage we are still in a mix which has elements of tech house, electro and minimal all thrown in together in a manner how music should be played – without genres. The first seven tracks lay foundation where by the direction is unknown. The pitch has been sped up, and the repetitious, fun, French vocals of Levon Vincent’s ‘Love Technique’ have you expecting something, but you are unsure what. That something starts taking place with Octave One’s ‘Blackwater’ which receives a remix by Alter Ego. With elements of a jackin’ house swing, this track works surprisingly well in the overall spectrum of the second disc. From here on, it is just a brutal assault of crazy beats, layered soundscapes and tunes that are an absolute pleasure to listen to. Jasper, The Orb, Jeff Mills and Josh Wink’s latest release ‘Swirl’ are all included in this second half of the second disc and would surely destroy a dancefloor.

Josh Wink bangs it out, but not in the way that you would think. There are no huge house room bombs or ‘classics’ that everyone knows, but somehow he creates the same vibe and intensity with unique programming and a style as versatile as music itself. This mix was done using samples, EFX processors, CD players, turntables, pro computer audio applications, creating re-versions, re-edits and loops. Sound complex? Wait till you listen to it. Certainly not a disappointment.