Anjunadeep Volume 7 album review

For anyone who immerses themselves in the rich sonic pool that is underground dance, Anjunadeep is a name that has become synonymous with some of the hottest house records .

A much hyped imprint, Anjunadeep has an impressive roster of producers within its books. The label has been celebrated for releasing the debut LP from Dusky – now one of house music’s most in demand acts who were in contention for the BBC Essential Mix of the Year.

It has also received huge praise for nurturing emerging talents such as Lane 8 and Cubicolor whilst working closely with established industry heads including the likes of dance heavyweight Tom Middleton, the ever versatile 16Bit Lolitas and veteran producer Jody Wisternoff.

Originally cutting his teeth in Bristol, Wisternoff championed the jungle movement that came out of the city 20 years ago and is no stranger to a diverse array of dance music. He’s worked alongside Nick Warren in the collaborative prog-house project Way Out West, DJ Die was his brother in arms when Sub Love took off, and he’s obviously carved his own solo notches on the dance scene bedposts.

It makes sense then that Jody has taken the reigns alongside label boss James Grant for the seventh annual outing of the Anjunadeep compilation mix series. A double release with the two mixes differing in terms of emotion and flow.

Mix one starts of as a gentle, chilled out affair. Kicking off with Dutch duo Esteble’s lush brand of electronica in 'Passage', a bubbling euphoria is felt as sublime house segues in from faces old and new. It burns slowly through exclusive new tracks making the mix perfect fodder for those wee small hours after the club, when your feet are tired and you want nothing more than to chill in post-clubbing bliss.

The second CD in contrast is more energetic, making it a cracking warm-up for the early starters amongst us. Perfect for getting your night started, this transcendent mix showcases the label’s deep dancefloor sound. 

Beginning with gentle melodies from Croquet Club and Ryan Davis, the mix is quick to fling the listener into a trippy contribution from Maribou State then heads towards darker atmospherics with warm sumptuous melodies from Lancelot. 

New additions to the label roster, Moon Boots and Way Out West, lead us through mesmeric textures and hands-in-the-air moments to a fitting finale - Global Communication’s latest rework. The cataclysmic meeting of minds that is Tom Middleton and Mark Pritchard have delivered a true classic by way of their belting new remix of Dusky’s 'Skin Deep' (above).

Anjunadeep has outperformed yet again with the seventh installment. The label consistently signs excellent acts and these are represented perfectly in a truly well-crafted mix compilation. No doubt the next year will see Anjunadeep sailing further into exciting deep-house waters, creating crashing waves along the way.

Buy Anjunadeep Volume 7.

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