Following his acclaimed Balance 10 release, progressive and tech guru Jimmy Van M has followed up with a dark and funky, electro sequel. Having worked his way up into the highest echelon of DJs, this work really puts his creative flair on display. It’s a bit different from some of his previous releases, but it is this that shows how he has progressed as a modern DJ.

The first track was possibly one of the most original to open a mix with, as Uaret by Moonbeam is a slow, drifting ambient piece which sets the scene. It not only relaxes the listener, but captivates them. I would have expected Jimmy, from what I’d last time, to kick straight into a more steady flow, but I think this had an even more empowering effect. Static by Planet Funk crossed over as the second track, and this is where the bass starts, while still keeping a steady feel. Funky, down tempo vocal house at its best, it’s the perfect follow on. Already this mix had my undivided attention.

The remix Burn My Shadow by Unkle feat Ian Astbury kept the pace, but turned on the darkness and tech a touch. It isn’t a bad track by any means, but it does tend to meander a little. Lirum picks the vibe back up, getting us on course once again. It is one of those slow building gems which perfectly utilises a nice, rolling drum beat. One element that stands out at this point is the flawless mixing. Each track melds together beautifully, making for what sounds like a technical DJ masterpiece.

Cucuma by Stephan Bodzin reminded me of some early 80s synthesiser classics, akin to the theme of Bladerunner. It was this nostalgic feel that really grabbed me, but it could also just be my age showing through! It was around this point that I wondered if the mix would pick up a notch, and with that Bedolff entered to give it a tech house feel, tipping us over into a grooving and energetic atmosphere. Sexy 4 All tweeks the minimal analogue sounds a touch, before cruising along with a downbeat feel, slowly ascending to a driving and energetic punch. I first thought Jimmy had dropped us back to the start of the, CD doubts were silenced when the track had a chance to play through; a nice, slow riser.

The James Figurine contribution 55566688833 (yes, a mouthful indeed) took the building feel a bit further, as it’s a nice and slow, yet beautiful, piece. This track was taking us more towards a progressive zone, with that raw emotive vibe that has you begging for more. The smooth mixing continues, cutting into the dark tech-house of Maybe, Maybe Not by Mauro Picotto. The punching bassline will rock your body on this one, it’s enough to get anyone bopping. The way the track cycles through, winding down then winding back up to a powerful crescendo, it works well as a transition to the next level.

Carbon Occasions keeps the rolling tech tempo. Still nice and dark, it’s also deep with a peak at the start before moving into uplifting, (gasp!) trancier sounds. With There Were Lights by Steve T, we are well into the guts of the mix, the cruisy, downbeat tunes are a distant memory and everyone’s on the floor entrenched in sweet, solid prog. You by Elite Force keeps the pace, and is the vocal good on this track or what? Subtle and filter-effect ridden, it’s sexy.

Air Conditonne by Julien Jeweil was something I’d heard recently in a Sander Van Doorn set, and this electro gem is both unique and killer. It is simple while also blending a nice break that has you reaching for the ceiling. Perfect for this point on the CD. All by Myself is the conclusion, and the tempo is taken back down a level. This one has by far the best breakdown on the entire CD – soaring and gliding along before building back to a tech fuelled finish.

The most prominent feature on this work is the spotless, perfect mixing. With the genres Jimmy Van M has chosen here, each track seems to morph into the next. The music selection here is perhaps a bit too minimal and techy for a broader audience, but I thought it was solid gold. Those who appreciate awesome DJing techniques will also have massive respect for this mix. Jimmy Van M is a real talent and DJ purists will love Balance 10.1!