Executing the perfect chillout compilation is always a tricky endeavour. There’s a fine line between creating a sensuous sonic serenity and recreating the atmosphere of a dentist’s waiting-room. Fortunately this double-disc release from Armin van Buuren’s label leans towards the former. Together with the generous helping of expected chilled trance, there’s some sweeping orchestral moments, some lush vocal cuts, and some delicate acoustic vibes. Highlights on disc one include Max Graham’s emotional Why This Is Goodbye, the jagged beats of Glenn Morrison’s I See You In Me, Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren’s heavenly Beggin’ You, Josh Gabriel’s haunting Ichabod and the melodically gorgeous Tenacity from Lemon & Einar K. Over on the second disc, exemplars of awesomeness include the restrained Chill Mix of Zara’s Broken, the widescreen soundscapes of Robert Nickson’s Russell’s Teapot, the guitar-infused As Faces Fade from Faruk Sabanci, the ethereal ATB and van Buuren collaboration Vice Versa and EDX’s psychedelic Warped Minds. Definitely worth investigating if you need a bit of calm and tranquillity in your listening life.
BY ED MONTANO
