Global Underground gives the Plump DJs the controls for the second installment of the label’s new mix series, after Nic Fanciulli launched the first one earlier this year. Best known for their genre-defining albums and mixes in the breakbeat realm, this compilation sees the talented DJ/producers spread their considerable girth to include straight four the floor beats in a modern musical journey of electric disco.

Always a step ahead of the pack, the Plumps aim for a future ‘WTF’ sound where arpeggio synth lines step into frequencies rarely heard. A massive 35 tracks across 2 discs gives ample examples of mind bending electronic excursions. First up out of the gate on disc one is a cheeky vocal courtesy of Tiga’s What You Need, then some bass driven club tunes heavy on the kick with the likes of Plaza De Funk, Bass Weazal, Boys Noise and Titsworth providing the rhythm.

The Plumps’ remix of Dave Spoon’s Lummox is a perfect example of the kind of brilliance they can work in the studio. The Beat Assassins cast their party magic on Boom Style while Hyper & JHz Pitch Bitch weave some feedback static bliss as Simple Minds New Gold Dream melody floats over. Unfortunately the funk definitely hits the fan with the relentless annoyance of Violent Kids Kill Frenzy making some very unwelcome Patrick Bateman feelings arise. I just can’t feel the groove in that wobbly, bouncy, choppy, fidgety sound that many producers are fond of these days.

Disc two kicks off with some squeaks and bleeps courtesy of Yo from Maximilian. The Plumps’ My Hi Tops makes your soul vibrate with its crazy staccato vibe. Black Noise then gets kinky with the dubiously named MC Wizard Sleeve on Me Plus You. Unfortunately the irritating vocal in DJ King Tutt & Scottie B’s African Chant made me wanna beat myself up.

Slyde’s Jetset is an interesting slice, and then the disc shifts gears as the immediately recognisable riff from Stanton Warrior’s Precinct cuts through to again highlight the Plumps’ exquisite remix skill. A tight and startling DnB-speed section of LA Riots remix of Atlantic Connection’s Rocksteady was a pleasant surprise. I also liked the following track, again by the Plumps, called The Knife. High Rankin’s Beak Street offers another change in some crossover electro dubstep (a sub genre apparently called Purple).

A strong one-two punch with Reese & Santonio’s Rock To The Beat & Alex Metric’s Shirley You Can’t Be Serious is another interesting collage of music. Jason Speed’s uplifting trance-esque New Dawn nicely finishes off proceedings.

The Plump DJs are sure to grab new fans with this showcase, as well as opening themselves up to play to a wider audience. Their originals & remixes that made the grade on this double CD are unquestionably the highlights. There is no doubt they will alienate old supporters with their choice to load up the bulk of the release with 4×4 rhythms, but it’s a brave choice for these breakbeat luminaries. DJ vol. 2 is an undeniably interesting mix of future sounds that busts though genre boundaries and pushes the Plump DJs to further heights.