Artist: Various (compiled and mixed by Butch)
Album: Watergate 18
Label: Watergate Records
Release date: 16/02/15
Watergate’s 18th compilation has been completed, and after Pan-Pot’s strong efforts on number 17, German producer Butch had his work cut out for him. With a big reputation behind him, as well as featuring in 2014’s RA Top 100, it was clear that he was up to the task.
The opening few choices are expert in their selection. The first track on the compilation, 55 Dias does not impose itself on you as it drifts into life, gradually climbing in volume and power as the record progresses – a perfect opener that is then mixed expertly into the powerful and far bolder sound of Liagon. The mix perhaps withdraws slightly as it calmly enters the far more futuristic Cezar remix of Vishovis. Both track four and five, the Ricardo Villalobos remix of One Night in NYC and Tbt3 left no lasting impression on me and whilst bringing a darker feel to the opening they were one of the weaker parts of the compilation. A return to the creative sound that has made Butch so highly respected comes in track six, and then the phenomenal choice of track seven, a groovy and energetic piece of music called Blindsided. The whole album is mixed in a wonderfully subtle, yet important way – with tracks blending and complimenting each other as they fade seamlessly in an out.
It is not just Butch’s track selection and mixing which is impressive, his two productions that feature are excellent, perhaps even the two strongest tracks in the whole compilation – both vibrant, exciting and creative examples of Butch’s talents in producing. There are quite a few examples of other tracks that impressed including Marcel Dettmann’s Musical Suprematism, Weltwirtschaft’s Maud and Sebastian Mullaert’s Chant De Paris. Indeed one of the most noticeable things about this compilation is how wonderfully the tracks seem to complement each other, their style, their placement, the way they are mixed – all seem to create a fluid and enchanting experience which fuses the two entities of music that is made for a party experience as well as home enjoyment.
It’s a strong compilation, as strong as is expected when considering the respectable name of Watergate. It is undeniable that Butch has done the name justice, and while the compilation is not perfect, with the odd moments of weakness, overall what has been produced is an incredibly creative and original project that displays both the prowess of many producers, and of Butch’s DJing skills. While I do not feel it is the best Watergate compilation I have ever heard, it is certainly a respectable compilation that is really worth a listen.
WORDS | Jacob Fritz
Tracklist:
01. Jonas Kopp - 55 Dias
02. Octex - Liagon
03. Mister Jackson/Draq - Visohvis (Cezar Remix)
04. The Horrorist - One Night In NYC (Ricardo Villalobos Remix)
05. Rocco - Tbt3
06. Redshape - Goom
07. Alland Byallo - Blindsided
08. Minilogue - When Sadness Releases, Joy Arises
09. Shifted – Gates + Area Forty_One - Reminiscence
10. Shifted – Gates + Martini Brös. - Big And Dirty
11. Jeff Derringer - Panic
12. WestBoy - Green Illusion (Truncate Remix)
13. Polar Inertia - The Last Vehicle
14. Sigha - Politics Of Dying
15. Butch feat. Hohberg - The Spirit
16. Vedomir - Musical Suprematism (Marcel Dettmann Remix)
17. Butch & Hohberg - Thai Cubensis
18. Sebastian Mullaert - Chant De Paris
19. Vincenzo Monastra - Incessantemente (Zece Remix)
20. Heiko Laux - Souldancer (Ray Kajioka Remix)
21. Kornél Kovács - Szikra (Abdulla Rashim Remix)
22. Weltwirtschaft - Maud
