Toolroom Knights has released its 6th episode, and this time they’ve handed the controls to Australia’s very own dance music producer/DJ extraordinaire, Dirty South. He follows an illustrious line of artists to have released Toolroom Knights albums, with previous selections from Martijn ten Velden & Paul Harris (Volume 1), Gabriel & Dresden (Volume 2), Tom Novy & Wally Lopez (Volume 3), Mark Knight (Volume 4) and Dave Spoon (Volume 5).

Dirty South’s selection continues their policy of investing in white-hot, breakthrough talent. The strength of this double disc release lies with a carefully selected array of floor-destroying house tracks, all hand-picked from a vast array of talent across the globe. There is a cunning blend of classic US sounds, techno and electro-influenced cuts, as well as Dirty South’s own releases that bubble together in a mammoth, musical melting pot.

Disc one kicks off in epic fashion with Kemistry’s remix of the Buzzin Fly classic ‘Insomnia’ by Rodamaal. There is an early theme of melody-rich numbers introduced, including Studio Apartment’s ‘I’m In Love’ and Gui Boratto’s ‘Anunciación’, which both set the tone perfectly for more full-on club bangers to follow. Dirty South’s production prowess is on display halfway into the mix with ‘Minority’. This ultra slinky production keeps the energy flowing through the middle stanza, and as we reach the home-stretch he hits the peak of the set with the Skylark remix of X-Press 2’s single ‘Music Xpress’. The versatility of the mix is epitomised by the closing choice; James Holden’s remix of Nathan Fake ‘The Sky Was Pink’, its neo-trance synths and glitchy flourishes of white-noise making it the perfect end.

Flipping to disc two, it’s immediately a more up-tempo affair, with Dirty South kicking into a straight-up peak time set that is complimented by vocal numbers and a variety of accapellas. He opens with his recent Axwell collab, ‘Open Your Heart’. This sets the tone for darker shades and upfront party anthems. The second disc on a whole is more representative of what you’d expect to hear Dirty South play at a music festival with a 1 hour set. One of the early favourites is a quirky electro number from Mark Trophy, ‘Ripper’. There is also an abundance of contributions from the Swedish House Mafia, with Sebastian Ingrosso & Laidback Luke’s ‘Chaa Chaa’, Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso’s ‘Partouze’ and Steve Angello’s ‘Gypsy’ all being weaved into the mix.

This second disc is also laced with some of Dirty South’s finest production work, all mixed around vocal pieces from Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Mac and Paul Harris, to name but a few. Toolroom boss Mark Knight’s remix of Dave Spoon’s ‘88’ is cleverly layered with an acappella of Paul Harris & Dirty South’s ‘Better Day’; a deft touch that takes an already thrilling track to another level. The mix ends thrillingly, with Dirty South’s single ‘The End’ (could it be anymore fitting?!) given a fresh new sound by Tocadisco.

The latest Toolroom Knights release is one of – if not – the best in the series to date. Over two huge discs Dirty South has reveled in the freedom of choice, putting on a display of his wide ranging talents and musical prowess. A must for any fans of modern house, electro, techno and Dirty South. Can’t wait to see him at Global Gathering!