Released
April 1999

Label
Recordings of Substance

Reviewed by
Jason X

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Last Edit/Update
02 July, 1999

Various Artists

Mixed Substances

Track Listing

1. Icarus - Baggage Claim
2. James Hardway - Illustrated Man(Hoax's Remix)
3. James Hardway - Sleep Tonight(Klute's Remix)
4. Justice - Transit(Alaska & Paradox's Remix)
5. Magnetic - Bull Roaring
6. Justice - Perspex
7. Omnivore - Spandex(James Hardway's Remix)
8. Icarus - Gordon's Detail
9. Nostramus - Earthlights(Justice Remix)
10. James Hardway - Theo Steps In(Justice's Remix)
11. Icarus - Moon In
12. Justice - Aquisse

     Mixed Substances is the second limited-edition compilation showcasing the Recordings of Substance label's artists. All artists are mixed live by an artist by the name of Justice. This was all put together as a live set in London around December 1998. It all mixes well into each other with smooth segue into the next song. For those not familiar with drum and bass, it is a style of electronica that is more focused on the beats. Thus, the bigger beats such as the drum and bass kick in. This does not just apply to that type of genre though. Most of these artists have the jazzy-acid sound to it.

      The first track starts off with the light drum and bass sounds from Icarus. Then it melds into the jazz of James Hardway. Third track moves to the beat of a mix between drum and bass/jazz. This is a remix by Klute, but I doubt it is the Claus Larsen(Leætherstrip) project. Once the jazz subsides, it moves onward to track four where Justice melds his trance into the mix. So far I have been bobbing a bit in my Vans while listening to this. It just reminds me of the New York drum and bass scene, yet not as boring. The same "thump-thump" sound can be pretty irritating for a while. Thank goodness Justice mixes it in right where there is not much of the same monotonous beat all throughout. The variety in beats is a welcome sound. Moving past the jazzy lounge sound, track five gets more in depth with the spacey, ambient sound. Track six follows in the same vein offering another Justice song, which is the slowest song so far. Perhaps a little breather calls for order while we rest our laurels and have another shot of Kahlua! Smooth and sensual, it gradually moves into a faster beat. The rest after this, are about as similar to the first few artists.

     There really is not much concept to this album. It is just straight-up mixing from the London underground scene. There are different styles abound with this album although mostly focusing on the drum and bass aspect.  If you need some background music for a party, this would be a perfect low-priced CD. A great party album to play.