This massive collection of tracks that Global Underground (GU) has amassed is impressive, although unfortunately not a sure-fire hit. Some artists on this third Afterhours compilation I recognized—Kraak & Smaak, Tosca, Nightmares On Wax, Gus Gus, Trafik—while others I had never heard of—Innersphere, Zen-Kei, Radioactiveman, Sissy, or Ticon. There are a few highlights amongst this sprawling 3-CD set but I wasn't nearly as excited prior to sitting down and going through each CD by the time I clicked the 'Off' button on my iPod.
The GU label is also no stranger when it comes to obscure artists, many of whom operate under an assortment of monikers, and each GU CD's allotment usually showcases exactly what the CD title respectively conveys. In this case, the "Afterhours 3" refers to a down-tempo—less of the hype and more of a somber yet tranquil mood and mindset, but I didn't really think that the two main CDs conveyed this as they seemed more like they were all over the place. Then again, an afterhours mood or, in this case, a compilation, isn't supposed to lull one to sleep but keep things refreshing.
I always get a kick out of some of the strange-sounding artists represented on GU's compilations and this Afterhours compilation showcases some interesting artist names: Stereotyp, Motion 040, Seelenluft, and then there's Sissy. Oh, yeah, I can imagine a conversation that might ensue: 'Hey, Ron, would you mind if I put on some Sissy?' I'd effectively have no friends.
I would say that like previous GU Afterhours compilations, there's a bit of everything for those of you who like and/or appreciates varying degrees of "afterhours" music but I'd suggest picking and choosing tracks before plunking down your credit card for the whole sh'bang.
CD-1: Organic (18 tracks @ 76-minutes)
This opening salvo started off somewhat quietly and seemingly "unrefined," but by the middle third of the CD, many tracks that sounded rough around the edges began to showcase some originality. Although I found that the compilation's compiler went this way and that, choosing to use tracks that were filled with rhythmic, textured soundscapes featuring some interesting sounds and interesting beats but nothing too overly exciting or captivating, nothing grabbed a hold of me until after track ten. There are a few stand-out tracks. For example: I kind of dug Track 4's "Keep On Searching" by Kraak & Smaak, a groovy, downtempo track with a funky bassline and a strange utilization of a rooster's cock-a-doodle-doing mixed into the middle of the set, but by the two-minute mark things get a little too repetitive. Track 8's "Superrob" by Tosca features a cool harmonica intro that then settles into a funky, foot-tapping southern vibe. Track 16's "Custom Made" by Cass starts off very chill-out but then opens up to a bona fide New Age-y, feel-good mantra. If anything, there's an eclectic smattering of good tunes mixed in with some duds. Take, for example, Stereotyp's "Do Dirt," a senseless rap urging one to—you guessed it—to do dirt, whatever that means (?!).
CD-2: Electronic (19 tracks @ 77-minutes)
Again we have an eclectic array of diverse artists compiled together under the "Electronic" banner, staying consistently true to the electronic sound- but this second chapter is definitively the best of the lot just in terms of playability. My only gripe is that there are a few pretty good dance tracks showcased here that weren't long enough. If anything, each track provides a lush, groovy introduction so as to give each artist their due, if only for a little while. Track 6's "Another Station (Todd Terje Remix)"—not sure if that's supposed to be some kind of homage to Todd Terry—is a cool, Disco-sounding tune with a recurring bass string chord on top of a thumping bassline.
CD-3: The Future Unmixed (51-minutes)
Finally, the third disc of the trio is comprised of nine unmixed and obscure tracks that, except for one artist, aren't featured on either the "Organic" or "Electronic" CDs. Nothing too special or audio-inspiring here but, if anything, worth a listen to get acquainted with a 'future' sound that may or may not be coming soon to a CD near you. Two tracks that stood out for me was the Ambient "Turning Up" courtesy of Christian Paduraru and the thoroughly danceable (and Timewriter-esque sounding) "Leftorium" by Anil Chawla & Dale Anderson.
While I think there's something for everyone who is or may be an "Afterhours" aficionado, GU is no slouch when it comes to assembling a broad array of artists spread out over an interesting if not impressive landscape of Electronica genres. I'm not sure if whether each artist brought their respective A-game to the fold but with more than three and a half hours of music, some, of course are better than others. If you are able to, take the time to give a thorough listen to each disc's repertoire.
