Roger Sanchez is a true heavyweight of the dance music scene. He’s been at it since most of us were in nappies and with mixes like this, his legend will live on long after most of us make the return to nappies… Release Yourself vol. 7 is the latest in the long-running series from the legend and leader, this installment is themed ‘water’ and pretty much hits the mark in a number of ways. The compilation is a two-disc set, where disc one is the ‘pre-party’ mix and disc two follows up with the ‘party’ mix.

For me, I gotta say I favour mix one: it truly is a beautifully crafted NYC deep house Mix. It stands up very well indeed with very little of a nod to what’s hot or what’s cool. I’ll admit I approached this compilation with some apprehension as to how much things would have strayed to what the market demands. But after listening and thoroughly enjoying this mix I am happy to report that Roger Sanchez is no sell out!

A smooth, melodic, deep house mix in the first disc is complimented by a tougher, slightly electro-edged mix on #2. While I gravitate more towards the depth of the first disc at home, I would happily spend the duration of disc #2 on a dancefloor. Sanchez has taken on board the current range of sounds that are working in clubs at the moment, and put his own slant on it. The result of which is a warm, smooth, fun and slightly tough but very pumping club mix. Lots of the regular names appear including Steve Angello, Laidback Luke, TV Rock, Axwell & Ingrosso, D.O.N.S. and of course, Sanchez himself.
That said there are a few newer names to me and there’s not too many insane synths or aggressive breakdowns.

A master of his craft, Sanchez delivers a fine selection of House Music of which many DJs would do well to take note.