In past episodes of the two-disc, 'All Gone…' series, young upstart Pete Tong has warmed up the corresponding mix with a steady hand (without settling for second billing), so sparring partners such as Felix da Housecat and Groove Armada can go and get theirs. In this Hot Since 82 guested edition, it's less clear as to whose set is doing the spade work for the onset of delirium.
Putting a licked finger skywards in advent of a dancefloor storm lead by Metodi Hristov's 'Got You', Hot Since 82's mix starts off-peak but finishes strongly. Concentration unobstructed by vocals, Volkoder's mix of Ruben Mandolini's 'Also!' is a surprise catwalk of sass, bringing with it a change up into pushy, deep-ish beats that get in the face of the spacious twinkling. Its scene-setting qualities and climax, with Krankbrother's 'Circular Thang' elected to bring the house down, are at the heart of a well rehearsed set piece, casting shackles aside in time for the sun to dip from view.
Tong is quicker into battle with plenty of pump, spinning strong-riffed tech-trance mixed in with fluffy moments of EDM for clubbers to cradle at both ends of the mix, and handfuls of tribal brawn that take the heat off the need to find someone to hug. Shushed by strong silent type determination and the need to project itself over vast distance, there are plenty of what you might call, in-the-moment tracks not offering much in the way of a return ticket.
However, there is Andrea Oliva's 'Love at Zoe', which is funky deep shit with a kick like a buckaroo. The vocals posted on Azari & III's 'Reckless' sound like an Essential Selection throwback, and Manta Rae's 'Your Love' punkishly yanks the curtain down hard.
7/10
Words: Matt Oliver
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