There’s a reason why Andy C’s nickname is ‘The Executioner’. His fast-paced style using two or three minutes of any one song at a time requires a depth of talent and skill that many DJs simply do not possess. This latest mix in his hugely popular Nightlife series uses his unique technique to highlight a formidable array of drum ‘n bass tunes combining anthems with unreleased songs, the new with the old.

It’s a frustrating pleasure when you listen to a mix and you can’t pinpoint precisely how two tracks become one. Andy C makes this look like child’s play. Take for instance the crisp driving dirty rhythm of Phace’s Strange Science mellowing out magically into Loadstar’s BLVD. This is a lesson in perfection. The tempo’s then brought back up again a few tracks later with Break’s Breakfast and all-the-while the fluidity of the mixing remains flawless.

Nightlife Volume 5 is a two-disc mix (you get 44 unmixed tracks as a bonus on iTunes) but the first CD is undoubtedly the better of the two. That’s not to say the second disc is a dud, it’s just that the first one is so brimming with impressive debuts and inspiring classics that it leaves the second disc feeling a little flat.

Mind Vortex is given pride of place featuring twice on the mix as ‘The Executioner’ gives his label signing front room access. The vocals on Now It’s Time symbiotically blend into Sigma’s Stronger while earlier on what I consider to be one of the meanest drum ‘n bass tunes ever released, Messiah’s Konflict, is mashed into the classic sound of Splash’s Babylon.

Many of the tracks used come from Andy C’s own label, RAM Records. The sound of beat juggling madness is evident throughout Noisia’s Deception VIP while the thick East London ragga chant in No Problem shows that labelmates Chase and Status are still a force to be reckoned with. Andy C’s own RAM Trilogy also features amongst the destructive drops and tweaked turntablism of the exceptional first disc.

Andy C is playing in Sydney this New Years Day at Space Ibiza with his buddy High Contrast, whose production on Underworld’s Scribble is a highlight of the second disc. Disc two only really kicks in when DC Breaks’ remix of Lounge rinses out Hold Tight’s original into an old favourite of Andy C’s, Triple X by Sub Focus. Sub Focus’ second appearance, Rock it VIP, is another highlight.

Like a football coach giving new players a run on the pitch, Andy C isn’t afraid to throw something unfamiliar into one of his mixes. Cylon is just that – mixing harsh DnB synths with a bongo on speed – the track is refreshingly familiar, if that’s at all possible. It’s been floating around since the beginning of the year so it’s good to see it finally getting out on the field. LTJ Bukem ends the second disc with a liquid drum ‘n bass injection gnarled with precision by Marky providing a perfect introduction for the blindingly mental Get Hot.

This two disc set explores the full spectrum of drum ‘n bass and is deftly blended by a living legend and arguably one of the best DJs in the world. While the second disc lacks some punch, the juicy blend of beats on disc one is worth the price of entry alone.

Nightlife Volume 5 is out now on RAM Records through Inertia.