Star 69 Records is proving once again that they are the kings in the underground New York City house scene with hit-makers Peter Bailey and Richie Santana's first compilation on the label. Titled Mind Control after their hugely successful gigs in the Big Apple, this two disc set is packed with dirty bass lines, sleazy synths, and twisted rhythms. It's 3 a.m., the kiddies have finished their last appletinis and gone home for the night, and the dance floor is full of sweaty boys and girls who want to dance until the sun comes up - that's where this duo is taking us!
Disc One is the build-up. It's chock full of layered, textured sounds with a heady progressive vibe. The vocals are sparse but well-placed throughout the mix. "I Cling" by Deetron opens up the set with a yearning male voice chanting "I cling to anything that helps me..." It's a simple yet haunting track that successfully kicks things off. One thing that didn't perhaps work as well was the combination of Science Department's "Breathe" (in a cappella form) along with Shizela's "Shoxy." The vocal seems lost over the top of this beat and only makes me want to hear the amazing Lexicon Avenue Remix instead. This is all made right again, however, with the infectious "Hotroom" which kicks things up a notch and prepares you for Disc Two.
If Disc One was the build, the second disc is definitely the climax. With the tension released, this set is able to turn up things up and really get going with harder beats, more commanding melodies, and fiercer vocals. Sebastian Ingrosso & Laidback Luke are brought in and demand that you "Cha Cha" to their superb track. Carlos Fauvrelle's remix of "Go On" is another show stopper as well as his collaboration with Bailey for "Bring It On" which pits a vocal snippet of a very popular song against a harsh beat.
Each and every time I review a Star 69 release, I know I'll be blown away and this compilation didn't fail me. I look forward to more from the talented duo of Richie Santana and Peter Bailey.
Released May 6, 2008 - Star 69 Records
