With their fourth installment in an ongoing compilation series bent on infusing jet-set hipster fashion with transcontinental underground dance music, the A|X (Armani Exchange) seeks to further their reign of uber-posh world domination with a little help from Star 69 Records, DJ Rap, and Palash. As with previous compilations in the series, only the most cutting-edge track selection will make the grade.
DJ Rap's A|X opus features an odd array of classic and disco house, tech, and electronica, mixed with R&B, retro, and other diversely offbeat styles. Because Rap has recently been publicly exploring her deep roots in house music, the stylish selections featured here come as no surprise; the overall theme here is Neo-Retro. Singles from artists such as 808 State, Lil Louis & The World, Soul II Soul, Frankie Knuckles, and Donna Summer are brought forth and mixed by Rap's steady hand to personally invite you into her own private psy-audio discotheque.
Palash comes in with his golden record box (completely covered with stickers from the 4 corners of the earth) and throws down his usual thick blend of dark and sexy Trog (tribal progressive) with a massive dose of hard and heavy classic disco house for good measure. Featuring tracks from Jase (from outta space), Armand Van Helden, Brother Brown, Junior Jack, and Club 69, Palash is able to skillfully weave his way through the varying genres of driving 4/4. One of the most outstanding points of the compilation is the fact that the artist never once loses sight of the heart and soul that thrives within the music itself; Palash is able to accurately display the passionate intent of each individual song by carefully blending each mix as not to overpower the transitions altogether.
Overall, this is an excellent dual CD compilation from both artists and A|X. We are very fortunate that entities like Armani willfully seek to support the music that cherish so dearly.
