Artist: Various Artists
Title: The Secret Planet
Label: Silver Planet Recordings
By: Simon Jones | 1 June 2004
Tracklist:

1. Tripo - It's Time
2. Simon Firth - Dark Storm
3. Cedric Indra - You Project
4. Andres & Xavier - Tomorrow
5. Believer - Funk Drops
6. Shibumi - Wasteland
7. Narcose & Orchid - Decrescent
8. White & Liousias - Pluto
9. Chris Salt - Undertow
10. OMB - Code 5
11. Kinnder - Cherry Red
12. Micah - Digital Hymn

"The Secret Planet"

'The Secret Planet' is the latest compilation to come from London's Silver Planet Recordings, following on from their previous compilations 'Fear Of A Silver Planet' volumes One and Two. Whilst those were mixed by some of the label's leading artists at the time, highlighting some of the classic releases of the label's history over the past few years, this compilation takes a more outrospective approach and takes us through the doors and windows of some of the world's bedroom producers, some already making waves within the scene, and others making their appearance for the first time. A label of the same name is set to launch soon, and the eagle eyed trainspotters and vinyl junkies amongst you may have already spotted vinyl samplers of some of this album's tracks in stores already.

One common theme is predominant throughout this cd, and that's the talent and versatility of some of the artists featured within. From the funky percussive intro and melodic hooks of Tripo's 'Its Time' and into the dark sub bass rhythms of 'Dark Storm' by Simon Firth, and the compilation quickly begins to assemble a rocking and free flowing tempo that sets the mood for the rest of the mix. Tracks from Switzerland's Cedric Indra and Mexican duo Andres Buzo & Xavier May bridge the transition into the main part of this energetic journey, and through a soundscape of dreamy synths, downtempo grooves and breakbeat as we progress further towards the last few tracks.

And the best has been saved for last as Narcose & Orchid's 'Descresent' takes things to another level, leading the charge into dreamy progressive breaks that is seconded by 'Pluto', a collaboration between newcomers Ashley White & Silver Planet's own Nick Liousais. The beats become darker, the melody lines more uplifting and the ascension it's peak as the heavenly chords of Chris Salt's latest epic 'Undertow' float through the speakers in wave after glorious wave, locking the mix into cruise control until we reach Micah's 'Digital Hymn' which completes the compilation with style and grandeur, it's electronic rhythms returning us back to Mother Earth before fading into nothing.

It's nice to see a compilation that doesn't choose to rely upon name value in order to make it's presence felt, and Silver Planet have to be applauded for putting forth such a project. There's no real marketing ploy here, just good music from some producers who still have yet to reach the full potential they are capable of, with over half of the tracks here able to go toe to toe with some of the latest wares from the scene's giants. Be sure to check this out as not only will you solve the puzzle of the mysterious vinyl samplers by doing so, but you'll also be able to hear some of tomorrow's stars today.