We round up some of the latest mix albums coming your way.

Various ‘DJ Kentaro - On the Wheels of Solid Steel’ (Ninja Tune)
Ninja Tune’s Solid Steel mix series returns with another twist in format following Amon Tobin’s live mix from last year. In fact this edition was originally released in Japan as a collection of some of the label’s back catalogue mixed by local hero, DJ Kentaro. Actually Kentaro is more than a hometown favourite and was the 2002 DMC World Champion so as you might expect from a scratch-master, this is an enterprising and innovative mix. Classics like DJ Food’s ‘Dark Lady’ and the excellent DK remix of Coldcut’s ‘Timber’ are segued and blended with tracks from Pest, Funky Porcini, The Herbaliser and loads of other Ninja favourites, with devastating dexterity and skill. The accompanying bonus DVD features a mind-blowing live set from Kentaro, as well as visual mixes. This is a fine introduction, if required, to the UK finest record label, and if you a scratch fan, an essential mix from one of the best DJs around.

words: Colm Larkin

Various ‘Fabriclive 23 mixed by Death in Vegas’ (Fabric)
Various ‘Fabric 24 mixed by Rob da Bank’ (Fabric)
Two contrasting editions of the Fabric mix series. Death in Vegas’ maestro Richard Fearless delivers a set heavy on wibbly electronica, downtempo electro and atmospheric deep house. Now based in New York, working on films and teaching photography, it’s hardly surprisingly that this mix has a soundtrack feel. With DiV free from their major label deal, Fearless has been exploring moody, minimal sounds for his own Drone label, and ‘Zugaga’ is a nice sample of where he’s headed. Elsewhere there’s spooky electro from Cybotron and excellent weirdo bleeps from Mathew Jonson, but overall it’s just too moody to really grab you. Unlike Rob da Bank, who has assumed the impossible job of being Radio 1’s nominal replacement for the sadly departed John Peel. Of course Peel was one-of-a-kind and Rob can easily be categorized as a mere DJ with eclectic taste. The mixes are smooth, the progression from genres is measured and it’s all done with a polish that Peel would never even consider. But this is not to denigrate Rob da Bank, as this is a solid and fun mix. It opens with the brilliant ‘Balkan Hot Step’ by N.O.H.A., an easy blend of ethnic breaks, Latin brass and Balkan charm. He drifts nicely through some upbeat house from Soul Mekanik, the ace rattling beats of Plastikman and a great pop interlude featuring The Fiery Furnaces and The Futureheads. There’s terrific Afrobeat from Pepe Kalle and a gorgeous deep house climax from Mr Fingers, though the actual closing track, Frankie Knuckles’ ultimately cheesy ‘Your Love’ is a poor finish – one of the few duff choices here.

words: Colm Larkin