Defected Gets Physical mixed by DJ T. and Luke Solomon - Review

Two of the most respected labels in electronic dance music, Get Physical and Defected Records, have coalesced to provide a brand new mix album which will set the scene for a planned series of live events taking place this Autumn in London, Ibiza and Berlin; undoubtedly the three most prosperous locations for even the most in-demand DJ to perform.  

The two are considered to be among the most prominent labels in the world of electronic music. Get Physical, since being founded in 2002 by DJ T. and M.AN.D.Y has undisputedly become one of the most reliable and top performing dance labels worldwide. Music has been released from an astounding list of producers including Claude Von Stroke, Derrick Carter and DJ Koze. 

Defected Records, founded three years prior to Get Physical has enjoyed over a decade of rolling out releases by the finest producers. The label has found itself to be always adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics of the music industry and has found a successful balance between young musical talent and well-established names in order to continue the optimal standard they seek to deliver.

Opening proceedings for the Defected CD mixed by DJ T. is ‘Move Body, Move Forward’ by Paolo Rocco, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the compilation. The opener features effortless jazzy keys, a smooth groove and exquisite percussion work paired with a warm baseline fitting perfectly alongside Paolo’s vocal work. This track has the perfect combination of soulful elements and the must-have danceable factor.

Picking things up is LA’s master of house MK who reworks FCL’s ‘It’s You’ giving his signature 90’s house touch to the track, pumping the energy with its rolling baseline – a sure fire mix to keep the club stomping, the re-pitched vocals ensure the core of the original is alive; if ever a track represented Defected, this is it.

Approximately midway through the mix, DJ T. ups the ante, laying down Dennis Ferrer's dub version of ‘Mind Your Step’ (above) putting across its vehemently modulated baseline which coincides with the various percussion elements in the track; leaving Janelle Kroll to deliver her poignant touch with her strong vocals.

Another one of the standout tracks included in the compilation is ‘Lady Ragga’, taken from Hector Couto’s Coming Back EP, instantly thrusts you into a frenzied Chicago house old school techno vibe. The track has a unique dub aura about it continually maintaining a rolling snare and driven rhythmic pattern throughout; perfect to be played out in the clubs on the shores of the White Isle.

Easing out on the tail end of the mix is KiNK’s beat mix of Rachel Row’s ‘Follow The Step’, the original, a soulful, harmonious and uplifting record undergoes a somewhat, seamless alteration. KiNK endows most if not all elements of the calming original, whilst continuing to extend on it with prolonged echoing chords, sporadic chopped vocals and bubbling percussive work – a truly beautiful track to help close what is an excellent mix by DJ T.

On the flip side of the release is the Get Physical compilation, mixed by Defected's A&R Luke Solomon. Commencing the mix is his own body edit of DJ T.’s ‘Class of 1984’; the original released in 2005 consists of downbeat drums, sweeping effects and a cutting baseline. Solomon adds to this considerably introducing a funky sensation filling the track with more elements.

Detroit producer Kris Wadsworth sees’s his modern classic ‘It’s Time’ reinterpreted by Jimmy Edgar (below), the turbulent bass and stuttering acid-filled break beat make for the perfect musical environment for Wadsworth’s deep vocals and virtuous chords. A real dark perspective from Edgar on the already heavy original, an edit that is sure to get clubbers moving irresistibly from start to finish.

Other picks from the compilation include another edit from Luke Solomon, this time of Chelonis R. Jones ‘Middle Finger Music’. Chelonis R. Jones original release can be considered a slow, dark and quite frankly trippy with its subtle vocals and eerie elements making it a track that’d rarely get played in most clubs.

The final track choice of the mix is ‘It Ain’t Love’ by Snax and Ianeq, perhaps a rare release from Get Physical which deviates into the world of pop-infused music. It’s a track that I think the compilation could have done without but you can’t help but feel good listening to it – perhaps confirming why Solomon wished to end the mix with it. 

On the whole the compilation reflects both Defected and Get Physical accurately, demonstrating the tremendous history they’ve both enjoyed and the labels can be proud of the performances of both Luke Solomon and DJ T. for their efforts in track choice and mixing abilities.

Like this? Try Weekends Matter September 2015 - Guest Mix Sam Divine B2B Simon Dunmore 

Tickets are no longer available for this event