Review: John Digweed - Transitions Vol. 2 (2007, Renaissance Recordings)

Following on from the success of the first volume, Transitions Vol. 2 does not disappoint. In fact, those who were less than enthralled with Vol. 1. may find the comparably somber and melodic Vol. 2 a bit more enjoyable. Mind you, if you haven't enjoyed Digweed's output over the last two or three years, this compilation will most likely prove to be no different.

Digweed's sound is still firmly rooted in tech-house, and the cheeky electronic elements of many of the tracks included here will most likely annoy those fans who stopped enjoying Digweed after his last Global Underground CD. But if you have an open mind and an ear for melody, I assure you that Transitions Vol. 2 is among the finest compilations released in recent memory, and perhaps Digweed and Renaissance's finest compilation in the last several years.

The first half of the mix immediately stands out during the first several listens. The sound early on is melodic and minimal, with Digweed leading the mix off with two tracks by the Italian-based Abyss, before segueing perfectly into Guy Gerber's dreamy remix of Chaim's "Dana." The classic chords of Joakim's remix of "Camino Del Sol" by Antena brings the mix to an early crescendo, which Digweed capitalizes on brilliantly with a seamless transition into the brooding Pitch and Hold remix of Williams' "The Shivering". Digweed reaches a similar peak later on with the epic arpeggios of Dirk Technic's "I Love You (Smallboy Mix)", and like Vol. 1, John calls upon Israeli-based producer Guy Gerber to deliver the compilation's finest cut. "Digital Memories", with it's massive staccato percussion and enchanting melodies, is a brilliant fusion of techno and classic progressive house.

As is the case with any compilation, not every track will be to your liking. The two G-Stylz (Bruce Aisher) tracks as well as David K's "Boul De Nerf" struck me as somewhat pedestrian, and Digweed's choice to conclude the mix with Jackmate's "Manray" will feel anticlimactic to some, although the track's classic synthesizer waves do eventually grow on you.

On the whole however, this compilation is stellar. The mixing and progression is second to none, and like any classic compilation, Vol. 2's enjoyment only grows with subsequent listens. Although classic Digweed fans may still be alienated by his current sound, anyone not stuck in 2001 will be able to appreciate this compilation's subtle genius and amazing attention to detail.

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Title: John Digweed - Transitions Vol. 2
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Renaissance Recordings
Catalog #: REN32CD
Format: CD, mixed
Release date: January 29, 2007

9/10 (Reviewed by Jia)
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Tracklist:

01. Abyss - Mind Games [Digweed Cheeky Edit]
02. Abyss - The Dreamer
03. Chaim EP - Dana (Guy Gerber Mix)
04. Antena - Camino Del Sol (Joakim Remix)
05. Williams - The Shivering (Pitch & Hold In Camera Obscura Remix)
06. Evil Hinko - Gedankenhochsprung (Babicz Remix)
07. G-Stylz - Belong To Me (Dub) [Digweed Cheeky Edit]
08. David K - Boul de Nerf
09. Felix Houzer - Mandolina (Robert Babicz Rework) [Digweed Cheeky Edit]
10. Dirk Technic - I Love You (Smallboy Remix)
11. Guy Gerber - Digital Memories
12. G-Stylz - Can't Get Enough
13. Dose3 - Minds (Tobi Neumann Mix)
14. Jackmate - Manray [Digweed Cheeky Edit]