Dub Pistols

It's less evocative of the sound of the future than previous volumes in the Y4K: Next Level Breaks series, but this Dub Pistols mix is easily the most fun to be had of any Distinct'ive Breaks release. There's less of the precise beats-and-breaks heard in the past, supplanted by old-school breaks, a little dub, and filter-disco pop. Barry Ashworth and co. not only have an ear to the ground for the latest underground sounds and a smooth sense of flow to a mix, they (he) also appreciate a good hook. It's that latter quality that really makes this compilation, from the brutal synth and swirling vocal of Infusion's "Starwater (It's Alright)" to Colorsound's near-miss pop hit "Fly With Me" to the swinging electro of Audio Bullys' "Real Life." An Adam Freeland remix (of Pressure Drop) and productions by Layo & Bushwacka, Mint Royale, and Apex lay the groundwork, but it's the pop songs that really make this mix another great (yet vastly different) volume in the Y4K series. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide