Elaste was a German underground music and culture magazine started in the the late 70s by Michael Reinboth, head of Compost Records, along with two other friends. The magazine garnered a loyal readership and critical acclaim during its short publication time. The Elaste compilations attempt to capture the vibrant club scene at the time, which Michael Reinboth was heavily involved with.

Mixed by Tom Wieland of 7 Samurai and Panoptikum, this is the second in the series. The first compilation Slow Motion Disco was mixed by DJ Mooner and focused on tracks played in the Discoteca Cosmic. Located on lake Garda in Italy, the legendary nightclub saw the birth of the ‘Cosmic Disco’ sound , orchestrated in part by pioneering DJ Danielle Baldelli . Though titled Space Disco, this compilation has a much more eclectic approach that focuses on a wide range of vintage and modern music, and does not limit itself to a certain time period or region.

The music in Elaste Volume 2 has a timeless feel, and it could have been created anytime in the last 30 years. For the most part the song selection was created in a gray area between the peak of disco (and its subsequent backlash) and the global insurgence of house music. The mix begins with Zodiac’s Sky’s Back , a funky space rock instrumental that sets the tone for the whole compilation. Followed swiftly by two mysterious disco tracks, both originally released by Italian imprints. It’s unclear whether they were produced locally or imported for the Italian market. Jagg’s Take Time and Selection’s Rebel On The Run (Remix) seems to be the later as both songs has a certain soulfulness not frequently present in italo disco.

For some the first 15 minutes may feel too kitsch, but the compilations soon begins to branch off in a different direction, with the Belgian Two Man Sounds ’ 1978 Latin tinged disco classic Que Tal America . The track has an excellent bassline and cowbell filled percussion section which is complimented with the rather puzzling Spanish lyrics, given the bands nationality. This is followed by the first of two tracks by Tom Wieland’s alias Panoptikum. The first Glückskugel initially feels rather incongruent. It reminds me of Ascii Disko’s modern attempts at italo disco, which tends to not adequately capture the the styles original charm. However, in retrospect it feels more appropriated as it is segued into proto-house vibe of LEB Harmony’s Feeling Love . The second Panoptikum track is better, with interceding synthlines, subtle acid squelches and a healthy house groove, it reminds me of Metro Area.

Other highlights include Hans Peter Ströer’s Don’t Stay For Breakfast . The breathy vocals , cascading keyboard and bouncy synth basslines makes it one of the stand out tracks on the album. The deep echo of The Vulcans Star Trek fusion of synthpop and reggae, and the polyrhythmic beat of Tony Allen’s (a long time collaborator with afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti) Nepa Dance Dub changes the musical direction once again. The compilation ends with a remix of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s seminal disco hit Ain’t Nobody by Chicago house producer Frankie Knuckles. It slowly builds as motifs of the original are added, and haunting dubbed vocals tease until the euphoric release of song’s chorus, ”Ain’t nobody loves me better”.

The compilations greatest strength is the diversity of music particularly towards the end. Full of both new and old gems, it was a pleasure listening to from start to finish.