DJ Rolando

Though DJ Rolando had only produced a small handful of tracks at the time of this CD-EP's release, the incredible international success of "Jaguar" warranted a CD release. Yet even if the Underground Resistance member hadn't been exactly prolific, his work had been practically flawless up to this point, as this EP illustrates. In addition to the excellent "Jaguar" and its various remixes, the three other tracks are nearly as stellar. Previously released on the Interstellar Fugitives LP, "Mi Raza" moves along with a dark electro feel much in line with Drexciya's mid-'90s Underground Resistance recordings, while "Atzlan" foreshadows the sound the Detroit producer eventually employed on "Jaguar." The other track, "Ascension," is a propulsive percussive workout that operates as a rousing tool for any techno DJ looking to up the intensity. Overall, this is an impressive sampler of Rolando's abilities as a producer, particularly considering that it captures almost all of his recorded work to date. Had this EP featured the tracks that appeared on The Aztec Mystic EP, and also "Jaguar (Mayday Mix)" that would subsequently appear on a complementary CD-EP, it would have been a stronger release, but that's only a minor complaint. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide