Soulstice: Mixed Illusions

Om have definitely been getting their money’s worth out of Soulstice and its members; staple appearances on the Om Lounge compilations, a classy debut album and now another full-length project of remixes of said album. Thankfully the remixes emerge sounding just as fresh and vibrant as Soulstice did when they first surfaced from the haze of San Francisco. Atjazz gives "Colour" the bossa-break treatment over a squelching bass line while Landslide do a bossa–number on "Fall Into You." The latter is a perfectly good track as it stands, although those acquainted with the original may find the mood less magical. In a similar way Pepe Bradock flips "Tenderly" beyond recognition but comes up with a rousing, funky house stomper. J Boogie retains the original bass line from "Illusion" and crafts around it a rich downtempo head-nodder. Equally masterful is DJ Spinna’s chipper hip-hop reworking of "The Reason." Mixed Illusions is a canny move on Om’s behalf, appealing to a clubbier crowd than perhaps the mellow original could. At times, the original album is almost irrelevant; some tracks make only a passing reference to their blueprints. Either way, this collection brings together a talented group of producers and for those music fans attuned to the ever-consistent Om vibe, this is another unquestionable addition to the collection.

Courtesy of BPM Magazine/ DJmixed.com