Jetlag Digital WMC 2009 Sampler - Great Tracks

[Tim Robert]

WMC 2009 Sampler is an eclectic collection of ten outstanding progressive house tracks by four talented up-and-coming producers on the German label Jetlag Digital, a label which I've recently discovered (and become a big fan of). The sampler was released March 8th, and is available exclusively on Beatport, both as individual tracks and a captivating continuous mix.

Release date: Out now!

Tracks:
The Stain - Something in the Dark
Ryan Crane - In The Space
The Stain - The Passage
Markus Wesen - Purty Pain
Frangellico - Plan B
The Stain - Better Alternatives
Ryan Crane - Module A
Frangellico - Zonda
Ryan Crane - Lift Off
Markus Wesen - Time Machine

The continuous mix of WMC 2009 Sampler was put together by Jetlag Digital owner Shane, a DJ/Producer who travels worldwide and has many productions, remixes and radio shows to his credit. Running the label with Shane is Hyline, a DJ/Producer known both for his productions, most notably via Mannover, and for hosting the Frisky Radio shows Adult Music and Advanced Views. Shane and Hyline are talented producers, and the WMC 2009 Sampler demonstrates their knack for showcasing other excellent producers with unique voices.

Shane's mix kicks it off with Something in the Dark by Budapest, Hungary's The Stain. True to its title, "Something in the Dark" fashions a deep and dark soundscape, as metallic and organic textures echo over a staccato bass line, making for a compelling introduction. The mix then smoothly moves into In The Space by New York City's Ryan Crane. "In The Space" features a vocodered vocal line over layers of percolating arpeggiated synths, resulting in a riveting atmosphere of intense focus and purpose. The Stain then takes us back into darker territory with the deep groove of The Passage. Detuned and atonal synths, a steadily pulsing bass line and a glassy, laser-like melody evoke the feel of a lunar orbit.

Shane then brings it down for a moment by stepping into the syncopated tech of Purty Pain by Cologne, Germany's Markus Wesen. "Purty Pain" takes a fascinating twist when it breaks down to a contemplative string arrangement before returning to its tech foundation. Plan B by Argentina's Frangellico picks up the pace with a stabbing bass line underpinning sampled excerpts of Ronald Reagan's first inaugural address. Menacing synth riffing adds an ironic twist to the former U.S. President's exhortations on the country's then (as now) challenging economic situation. Next up is Better Alternatives, which, in a departure from The Stain's previous tracks, has a brighter feel and embraces a sense of optimism and possibility, its pulsing bass line accompanied by warm, watery echoing percussion and synth textures, creating a perfectly upbeat mood.

"Better Alternatives" then quickly transitions into Ryan Crane's Module A, a beautifully cruising and atmospheric track. A wistful chord progression features broadly expansive pads and melodic arpeggiated synths, while a heavily processed, mysterious vocal periodically insinuates itself into the mix. Shane then locks into the irresistibly pounding, quasi-tribal groove of Frangellico's Zonda. Minor-key call and response synth lines alternate with sensuous vocal samples and a Middle-Eastern flavored plucked melody, creating a truly eclectic yet coherent arrangement. The aggressive storm of "Zonda" then breaks with the perfectly timed introduction of Ryan Crane's Lift Off. Plucked and gliding synths, glassy/metallic pads, and a bright melody create a sense of wide-open space. "Lift Off" is relentlessly optimistic, yet its perfectly crafted textures give it an icily sharp edge, making it the perfect closer for a meticulously crafted mix.

Not appearing on the compilation (yet included in the sampler) is Time Machine by Markus Wesen. "Time Machine" takes an intriguing and unique journey, beginning with a syncopated tech build before stripping down to an infectious ticking-clock break. After briefly dipping into minimal territory with a tremulous lead, "Time Machine" finally moves back to techy ground with ascending metallic sound effects.

Conclusion: Jetlag Digital has come up with an top-quality collection of tracks touching on a variety of unique styles within the progressive genre, and Shane has put them together in a perfectly paced mix. These tracks are well worthy of checking out and Jetlag Digital is a label to watch for fans of progressive house.

[Silk Royal]

Nice write-up, Tim -- will check out this release.