There are few mix-CD compilation left that continue to generate the buzz of Balance, and this April the series delivers its 18th volume. The DJ at the helm this time is progressive house giant Nick Warren, who has kept things relatively compact with two 11-track discs.

The music is the star on this outing, with Warren enjoying the fluidity his new DJ set-up allows. “I jumped ship to Ableton and the APC40 Controller some time ago and really enjoy it,” Warren explains in the press notes. “I can do edits and multiple mixes on the fly, which is great fun. But I also am using the CDJ2000s as well – they are fantastic.”

Warren is of course a mainstay of another revered compilation series, Global Underground. His most recent effort under that banner was GU035: Lima in 2008, which was praised for its programming and focus on exclusive material. It looks as if he’s applied some of the same philosophy to Balance 018, which the label describes as “a hype-free creation that eschews transient trendiness in favour of refreshingly mature musical sophistication”.

Balance 018 is out 15 April in Australia through Balance Music.

CD 1

1. Ormatie – Only
2. Spieltape feat. Shamil – Morning Paper
3. Underset – Berlin
4. Fiord – The Tribe Has Spoken
5. Paul Hazendonk – My Addiction
6. Eelke Kleijn – Monkey Movin’
7. Jamie Anderson And Owain K – Without Sound
8. Nick Warren – Buenos Aires (Terry Lee Brown Jnr Mix)
9. Nomad in the Dark – Drones (Send me)
10. Franck Orff – Hibiscus
11. Giorgos Gatzigristos – Tickless

CD 2

1. Tripswitch – Collider (Nick Warren Mix)
2. Julio Largente – Darkened Underpass
3. Beat Factory featuring Stamina – Let’s Take a Walk
4. Lank – Ain’t No Problem
5. Yamil Colucci – Bristol Warm
6. Victoria R – Cosmos
7. Solee – Aragorn
8. Steve Mill – Someday
9. Steven Libby – 80D Test
10. Nick Warren – Flowers (Solee Remix)
11. Pablo Acenso – Bread