Not knowing anything about the film from which this soundtrack springs going in, I decided to read up on its subject, famed rave promoter "Disco" Donnie Estipinol. If you've never heard of him, don't worry; you're off the hook. I never had either, but upon reading his story, I think we all should get to know him. Disco Donnie became a victim of John Ashcroft and the Bush administration's transparent attempt to stem the proliferation of ecstacy use by attacking ravegoers and circuit boys. It doesn't matter that not all partiers carry or use drugs; that's incidental. It's just the easiest target. I encourage you to read up on this subject--forewarned is forearmed, but this is a music review, not a political essay. so let's get to the music.
It's difficult not to listen to the soundtrack to the film Rise without it bringing to mind the soundtrack to the rave classic film Groove. Of course, in my mind a film or soundtrack could do much worse than being compared to that particular record. As a companion piece to the film, Rise (music from) is a winner.
Competently mixed by top DJs and featuring contributions from high-profile artists such as Crystal Method, Leftfield and DJ Qbert, it's a solid stand-alone disc as well as an extension of the film.
So go... do your homework. Read up on the film and it's protagonist. But don't forget to spin this disc as well. And demand, and be thankful for, our right to keep dancing.
