BALANCE 015 [Box set]

As the compiler of the next instalment in the excellent and always forward thinking Balance series,Will Saul seemed as an odd choice for many,especially to fans expecting it to be compiled by some of dance music's more high profile names.However,Will easily manages to bring forth another unique instalment,and it's not to be taken lightly.

If you're not familiar with Will Saul,he is the producer and DJ behind the Simple Records label,with much lauded and praised releases to its roster, as well as the 2006 launched Aus Music,an equally successful and promising label.His sound is "deep, driving house and techno with flashes of soul and melody".This,but much more as well,is what you will find in Balance 015.

CD1 is an easy on the ears,slow moving melodic journey,encompassing some of the best sounds of contemporary disco and nu balearica.Beginning with vintage tracks like "Anyone" and "Work",Will begins the journey in style,and really takes it a step forward with the future classic Maurice Fulton remix of I:Cube's "Vacuum Jackers".Almost every track from that point is a highlight of its own,and with the broad spectrum of sounds and moods,there is enough material for anyone to truly appreciate the mix.Towards the end,Will brings together a stunning 6 track sequence,from Bostro Pesopeo's "Falls (Hercules & Love Affair Remix)" all the way to the climactic,beautifully crafted "Pearl's Dream".Overall,an excellent and rare mix.

CD2 is a window to Will's preferences and personal taste in the deeper,more head-orientated sounds of house,techno and dubstep.Expertly mixing together classic cuts from Isolee,DJ Koze,Ricardo Villalobos, the mix sets off quite calmly,and by the time Konrad Black's sinister "Medusa Smile(Don't Look Back)" kicks in,you can hear that Will has shifted gears again,and the mix really starts to take shape.Excellent tracks inbetween further solidify the mix,with two of Will's most notable releases included("Sequential Circus" and "Mbira"),as well as a lesson in electronic music history in the sounds of Dave Angel's sublime remix of Model 500 - "Wanna Be There".Essential.The latter section of the mix features some amazing atmospheric dubstep tracks,from respected artists Burial,Peverelist and more,with Modeselektor providing the eerie finale.A special,daring,innovative and most of all coherent effort to merge together some of electronic music's most distant and distinctly different worlds.

CD3 has the most organic feel of the three,and is,as you may have come to expect,more club friendly as well.Beginning with atmospheric cuts from Pangaea,Rhythm & Sound,Sly & Robbie,Will sheds some light into the deeper shades of dub & dubstep,only to make a 180 degree turn for the more soulful sounds of Patti Jo & Dapayk & Padberg.From that point,house and tech house is the name of the game,and Will's sequencing from Sebo K's "Sax track" to Tony Lionni's anthem "Found A Place",and then all the way to Liquid People's "Son of Dragon" makes for some of the most euphoric moments in the entire series.

This is a very different effort from Joris Voorn's Balance 014,not only in terms of style and overall feeling,but also in the manner the DJ tries to combine all of these different worlds in one coherent whole.That said,despite all the praise,it is a mix that attempts to cover so much ground from so many diffrent sounds and genres,that it may be difficult to take in one listen,especially if you're new to some of the sounds.Be patient with it,and you will be rewarded.It deserves your attention at all costs.Excellent work.

Completely disagree with the previous review, listened to each cd in order and i think each better than the last! IMHO better than Joris Voorns effort.

If u like ur house dubby and deep then this is for u.

This was my first balance album purchase and I think it is the best one. A truly excellent example of a world class dj selecting and mixing the finest music. I have been blown away by this cd, I would highly recommend it. 5*