- Renaissance have been in this compilation game for more than ten years now, and know a good pair of DJs when they see them. Initially it was Sasha and Digweed, but Dave Seaman's name can be added to that exalted company. Ever since the superb the 'Awakening' pair of mixes he put down in early 2000 his has been an eagerly awaited contribution.
No complaints here, as Seaman sets out his stall for 70 minutes of quality house, building slowly from the off in the way only he can. As always with Seaman the material is underground, from Habersham on his new label to a storming production from Cass in the form of 'Giant'. Redanka's 'In A State' is a fitting climax to a mix that gets better and better the more you hear it.
That said, Phil K's Renaissance debut is even better as he unleashes a blinding array of breaks and house to have even the most reluctant punter up on the floor. Again the mix is superbly judged, interspersed with acapellas of Derrick Carter's 'Where U At'. Starting thoughtfully with Polanski and Vince Musgrove the music really works up a head of steam by the time we get to the quasi-spiritual PQM Project with 'They Just Won't Let Me Be', an enormous slab of uplifting house with a booming bass. From here on the momentum is unstoppable, with Nubreed's 'One Day', Habersham's 'Follow The White Rabbit' and some more extreme, acidic breakbeat towards the end. The closing trio from Andy Page, The Crystal Method (via Nubreed) and Dark Globe are truly hard to beat.
If progressive or breaks are your thing, look no further. Renaissance are still at the top of their game, and this is one of their best comps for a long time.