Customer Reviews

Nu Breed 1

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This double CD set will not disappoint loyal buyers of the Global Underground series. Like the other releases in the series, this set doesn't pander to cheesy top 40 Euro-trance like Gatecrasher, Ministry of Sound, and all the countless Ibiza compilations. You will find few instantly recognizable tracks here, but if you take the time to actually listen to the set several times, you will be rewarded. The mix is a satisfying, fluid melange of deep trance, house, and breakbeat. Disc 1 is practically without weakness, starting off with Narcotik's "Conditions," and easing into Moonface - "Synchronized Knowledge," a blinder of a deep trance track. From there, the set builds through Sloth & Dormant's dreamy "Here and Now" all the way to the chunky, familiar "Roaches." The CD then begins its close with Odessi's "Moments In Space," the sweetest track in the entire set in my opinion.

Disc 2 ratchets up the energy a bit with a series of hard trance tracks, kicked off by Chab's "Tunneling." Pappa keeps up the dark trance vibe for most of the CD, then ends the mix with with punishing breakbeat.

Unlike the recent "Global Underground" releases ("Ibiza"-Sasha, "Hong Kong"-Digweed, Nick Warren) that I find great but a little bit repetitive -except Seb Fontaine's Prototypes that are unique- this set is different. CD 1 is excellent, very emotional, the kind of deep house music that gets into your soul. It's brilliantly mixed, "full of promises and good vibes". Full of feelings, it really takes you away. CD 2 is more of a dark trance style although not very heavy. I must say that after hearing CD1, I was expecting much more from the second. Believe me, the first CD of the set is worth getting it.

Please don't buy this CD if you like garbage. The first installment of the NuBreed brings a much needed fresh outlook on the "trance" scene. I use trance in the most broad sense. With NuBreed, Boxed is trying to give those DJs, who are quite good and established but have not yet achieved A-list status, a platform to showcase their wares. Taking nothing away from Sasha, Digweed, Warren, and Oakenfold before them (read your liner notes again, Pappa does not diss anyone), do you not think that filtering all the new choons through thier ears can lead to a little blandness? Sasha and Diggers are, by far, my favorite DJs. (I hesitate to put Oakie in there because, in my opinion, he has just lost it recently in terms of track selection. All hands-in-the-air, fill the dancefloor anthems can make a person sick)

This selection is for those of you who can appreciate some subtle changes, some DEEP grooves, and some wicked beats. I guarantee "Roaches" and "Moments in Space" will be on every compilation 6 mos - 1 year from now. Be on the look out for this series, but only if you prefer your house cheese-free. Next up: Danny Howells.

This CD will definitely transform your mood. It has a very futuristic, underground, cellar-type sound. CD1 flows smoothly on a dark edge, and CD2 is more a bit more uplifting, but the dark edge is still very apparent; although a not as smooth flowing as CD1, but I think it's more meant to make you move. If you do let your imagination run wild, it has that sort of "Matrix" air to it. Basically, if you like your trance and house dark (but not evil) then this could be an essential. I think it's a good buy because it definitely has the quaility of GU and that it's definitely a different flavor for the GU syndicate. Seeing him live would be interesting.

The Nu Breed series by the Global Underground label is a showcase for DJ's who have worked for years but not yet achieved that break to reach "A list" status. Which gives established talents like Pappa an added challenge of not just making a good set, but with a distinct style that unites their name with a sound. On this mix, Pappa has a hard time reconciling the two.

Disc one's selections mostly stick to that vague area between epic trance and progressive house, with a good mix of techno elements as well. Pappa obviously likes the Timo Maas tech/trance sound, as his remix of "Are You Tranquilized," is a highlight. While general reviews have labeled this set as dark and moody, it's barely so on the first disc, and more engaging and vivid than John Digweed's GU: Honk Kong release. The listener is spared the typical breakdowns in songs, while delivering gems such as Sloth & Dormant's "Here and Now (EBE remix)" and the epic "Moments in Space" by Odessi.

The need to stand out creeps up on the first CD, through the use of recorded dialogue that breaks track momentum in an attempt to bring attitude. Trancesetters' "Roaches" embodies this attitude, proudly proclaiming that "underground will never die." Besides the fact that it's just not that good a tune, I'd argue how "underground" you really are if you have not only a release on the most recognized trance series in the world, but the privilege of mixing the Platipus trance catalog for their recent compilation as well. Disc two has more problems, due more to a lack of cohesion than track selection. Songs now begin to take on the dark and twisted, even scary tone hinted at earlier. While the initial bunch of tracks slowly set you up, what's unleashed from track seven on is a series of breakdowns, driving basslines and psychedelica. Some, like "Liquid Sun," by Astral Projection, and "Theme from Wide Angle," by Hybrid work, while others, such as the aimless psychotic warbling of closing track "Lydian & the Dinosaur" do not. Regardless, when heard back to back it limits the continuity of the set.

So while not as good as it's predecessors, it's still an engaging enough listen. Disc one is the obvious highlight, a mix about as good as any other GU disc one out there. The second stumbles but is still enjoyable and offers a challenging sound not found in other compilations. Finally, credit has to be given to the GU label for providing expansive liner notes about the artist, his background, and the music on the set. It's that respect to the artist and the trance scene that makes the Global Underground series always a safe purchase. I give it 3.5 stars.

GU's Nu Breed series is fantastic and this is an amazing example of that. Papppa keeps the vibe pretty dark on both the disc but the mixing is seamless and he introduces very pretty melodic snippets from time to time teasing the listener. The first disc is mellower than the second which is more aggressive. I think this mix is consistently interesting and inventive but it is NOT hands-in-the-air anthemic trance, so if that is what you are looking for, look elsewhere.

I have bought a lot of music in my time that I listened to for 24 hours straight, gotten sick of, then listened to a few times a year after that (at most). This music is usually very catchy and "radio ready." But, many of my favorite albums, I didn't really like much to begin with; they grew on me. It was the process of exploring and hearing something new each listen that made me enjoy them. They are usually too complex to appreciate on the first listen.

Anthony Papa's release here has many of those qualities. It is not a perfect set of CDs, but it is definately one of the most interesting mixes I've come across from Global Underground or anywhere. The first CD is a brilliant collection of tunes with a widely varied sound all mixed inventively and skillfully. It is edgy, dark, with a few lighter moments that are easy to get lost in. Definately a CD you need to listen to from beginning to end.

The second CD I must admit I didn't like at all when I listened to it for the first time. There was very little variation between tracks, few peaks and valleys, and a rather unrelenting beat that made me wish for something a bit lighter. But, as I listen to it over time, the lack of recognizable tunes and catchy melodies seem to make it more interesting. It is definately dark and haunting feel to it. The overall sound is unique in my collection so although it is maybe not the strongest mix of songs, I keep coming back to it because I have nothing else like it, and I can always find something new each time I listen to it. I don't put it in wait for my "favorite track" to come on.

If the Nu Breed series is there to showcase up and coming talent and to offer listeners an alternative to more popular songs and styles, this mix is a good start. I would by it for the first CD alone, but give the second one a chance; I think it will slowly grow on you and may become one of your favorites as it has mine.

This is one of the best dark dance music CD's I have listened to. Nearly every track is good, and Anthony does some neat tricks to the sound with the mixer. Some of the tracks were made specificaly for this CD and were never released on vinyl widely so I would reccomend listening to them here! (ignore the above reviews claiming this is less than Oakenfold...Oakenfold is good but not that good, maybe up there with a Micro or Christopher Lawerence..=)

First off, happy hardcorists and candy ravers need not apply.Itès good to see that in a music industry increasingly obsessed withchurning a profit at the expense of musical talent - that there is still a small but ardent support for progressive and influential musical ability at its best. CD1 is without a doubt the best trance mix I have ever heard. Full stop. Anthony Pappa does more than fool around witha cross fader or beatmatch. He gives a fresh spin on trance (no pun intended), which was beginning to sound passe. Throughout the album, Pappa keeps the tone dark - this is a CD for those with enough musical patience and maturity to savour it. Those who are fans of Orbital, other GUs and even downtempo will be right at home here. If however you are more into rave-trance then you might as well shop for your music at WalMart.

This is my favorite in the Nubreed series. Anthony Pappa has created the most uplifting set in the series, but still maintains a certain mystery and darkness around it. You really have to hear it to believe it, but this is great stuff. The mixing is top notch. The song selectrion is great, and he bleeds the songs into each other beautifully. It's truly an experience. I really like disc one, but disc two is nothing to scoff at either! There's some great house all over. A worthy house music compilation for any house music fan!