"There are so many overproduced dance cd's flying around today - you don't even know if the DJ has actually mixed them." This is how Greg Churchill sums up his his motives behind "It's Only a Mix Tape", the first in a series of bedroom mixes by underground DJ's on the U.K based label - Ministy of Sound. Taking it back to what mix tapes were all about. Simply recorded in a bedroom or home studio and mixed by someone who really cares. This Remarkable mix is the start of a series that showcases some of the worlds best true underground talents mix of music that is dominating dance-floors globally.
Greg Churchill, for all you herbal munching kids who think who think getting down to some Bob Sinclar is funky, is one half of the dirty electo duo Aural Trash and this mix is comprised of fourteen dark 'n dirty electro bangers that have been the dominent vinyl in Churchill's sets for the past couple of months. Reject by Phil Kieran is a definate highlight, with it's explosive guitar riff intro that slowly mixes into a progressive and grimy flat beat. Moguai's "Tonight" is another standout, with it's slow and heavy bass loops that makes you wana bite your bottom lip and get funky to its dirty electronic overtone.
Churchill does well to through in some local NZ sounds into the mix with Auckland DJ's Loki and Lowalk's "Alpaca", a reasonably boppy track with a rolling bass line full of friction and a catchy drum slap. SJD's "From A to B or not to B" also features in the album - a Churchhill remix. I'd have to say that this is the most housey track on the album with it's nice ambient guitar samples.
Ironically two of the best tracks in the mix are featured workings of the man himself. "Denny Crane" is a heavy forward flowing track that progresses into what can only be described as a cyclone of electronic chaos. While Churchill's lastest single "Lesser Meaning" is a generally uplifting track with gritty electro loops and a simple yet authoriative bass line.
The mix has the potency to bring the nightclub to your livingroom (if you play it loud enough), the mixing is solid as a rock and the basslines drop in just the right places - carefully selected and programmed, the mix progresses perfectly from playful and melodic to downright filthy towards the end. For the most part, this is not easy home listening - it's full on club music for anyone wanting to relive the weekend.
