In this double billed compilation, the so-called ‘Taiwanese Godfather of Electronica’, DJ @llen, offers over twenty disparate tracks of electronica, performed by an impressive array of international artists, including Lee Coombs, Marco V, Cloud 9 and Havana Funk. Despite his cool attitude (check that cover), the veteran beat matching master doesn’t mess about; he blends tempos, pushes records and balances rhythms with meticulousness precision. On the Electro Acid and Tribal House CD, Oscar Goldman’s playful “Thrust 2” is laid into Mark Knight’s mesmeric “Inside You”; SuperChumbo’s fiesta-style “Dirtyfilthy” is faded into Smokin Jo and Washington’s late night house “State of Mind”. The attitude on the Funky Club and Latin House CD is more lighthearted and uplifting, as befits a selection of summer tunes. Cloud 9’s anthemic “How Shall I Rock Thee?”; Soul Central’s (featuring Kathy Brown) gospel-influenced “Strings of Life”; Havana Funk’s groovy Brazilian “Bakiri Ban“ and Belezamusica’s soulful “U Got Me Spinning” are all held together by DJ @llen’s turntable expertise.
High Note Records

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
July 2006 issue