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Sandy Rivera - Renaissance: Masters Series Vol. 8
(Renaissance)
Release Date:
Reviewed: 7/10
A new kid arrives on the Renaissance block in the shape of bouffant DJ Sandy Rivera, renowned for his work under the Kings of Tomorrow guise. The New York DJ steps up to join the likes of Deep Dish, Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren to mix a Masters Series. CD1 kicks off with a personalised introduction from Rivera himself, assuring us that things will be ‘switched up’ and ‘smooth’. Joi Cardwell’s soulful ‘What It Feels Like’ lives up to the latter of these before giving way to the slightly harder hitting ‘It’s Over’ from Jamie Lewis and Michael Watford, whose vocals contrast markedly to the repetitive, incessant kick drum, infused with a small hint of acid. Drew and Perez drop the tempo a little with the deep ‘Bonafide’ before Moloko’s distinctive vocals on ‘Forever More’ are laid smoothly over DJ Gregory’s ‘Elle’. The CD changes direction again, moving into D-Pulse’s squelchy, bleepy monster ‘Strong’. Two exclusives follow in the shape of Red Eleven feat Sandy Rivera’s rocking ‘I Wanna’ and Playfordian ‘Without A Trace’. The CD closes with Rowan Blades (of Breeder fame) and Chris Lake’s ridiculously catchy ‘Malteaser Geezer’ – surely this year’s ‘Affrodizziac’. Another intro from the man himself heralds the arrival of CD2. Buick Project’s excellent ‘Luminaire’ eases us into the new mix with its cleverly composed synths and leads. Mark Knight’s remix of Seamus Haji ‘Angels of Love’ and Amé ‘Rej’ continue the musical theme but with a slight electro-edge. Sandy Rivera’s collaboration with vocal legend Robert Owens is another exclusive to the compilation and fits in nicely halfway through the CD. Rodamaal’s ‘Insomnia’ is fused with Klement Bonelli’s ‘Nocturnal’ to create a deep, melancholy and almost progressive mash up. The Drill’s self-entitled track and another Mark Knight remix, this time of Kings of Tomorrow ‘6PM’, adds a chunky flavour to proceedings before the lush strings of Mano Calda All Star appear in ‘Limit’ take over. Initial scepticism over Renaissance’s choice of DJ for Masters Series 8 isn’t completely washed away when listening to the compilation. Switching through a variety of styles during a club set can release enormous energy and having seen Rivera play live, there is no doubt that the man can pull off some seemingly impossible track combinations. A compilation is a whole different ballgame however, and what can sound great in a club sometimes doesn’t quite work on five inches of plastic. This double CD contains some excellent tracks but one too many changes in musical direction.
Simon Ross [20-Aug-2006]
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