VA - This is Drum and Bass 2011
Posted by
Curtis Moldrich at
04/02/2011 12:18:00
Every drum and bass compilation at the moment has the
unfortunate ordeal of being compared to Andy C's Nightlife 5, but thankfully
this does not try to be compete. Instead of raw energy and
double drops, this compilation is mixed with smoothness and progression
in mind - something that lends itself to the melodic and progressive
nature of the tracks chosen. Therefore this compilation represents
a different kind of journey.
Kicking off with Tonight, an awesome
collaboration of Hospital boys Netsky and Danny Byrd, this compilation
does exactly what it says on the tin. The tracks carefully selected
for this mix are bangers in their own right, and this makes the compilation
a non-stop thrill. Ill Behavior, We Can Have It All
and Bright Lights (Netsky's Remix)among other tracks, capture the best of
Hospital, but thankfully this compilations also features songs from
other labels which compliment the label's sound. However, this compilation
isn't just about Hospital, and for this reason it features tracks from
other labels too. For example, Road Rage by Subwave and
Vintage by
Phace nestle perfectly into the smooth playlist and add
a variation which keeps the mix fresh.
Hospital have provided us with some
exclusive tracks from their artists, and these are the jewels in the
crown of this compilation. From the half time anthem The Way Life Used To Beby Blokhe4d to the atmospheric roller Simple Beginnings by Fred V, the exclusive tracks in this mix somehow
stand out above all the others.
Hospital have given a true snapshot
of the scene, with Joe Syntax from their Med School sister label sharing
the lime light with artists such as Sigma and Original Sin. The inclusion
of tracks such as Genetic Bros - Upliftng which were equally notable but
not as popular last yearshow just how much thought has gone into the
track selection for this mix.
In all a very entertaining listen, from
a different perspective of drum and bass.