Nick Holder offers a prime selection to the Nite Life series
Richard Diaz | 06/06/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Very quietly in England, record label NRK has blossomed a mix series to rival those found anywhere in quality. The Nite Life compilations fly under the radar by avoiding media darling DJs while selecting some of the best producers in house music today. To the California sounds of Miguel Migs and Halo & Hipp-e, and tribal drums of Pete Heller, now add underground artist Nick Holder, who's recent album Underground Alternatives spawned several cuts and mixes filling record crates.Holder takes in a diverse palette of sounds, all snapping together tightly. Three slices of relaxed, soulful grooves (including the silky `That Feelin' by The Rurals) butter you up for the Spanish bursts of `El Ray.' Back then to allowing crisp beats do their job (Funk D'Void's basic but effective `Barnabeats') with intermittent peaks (his own `Inside Your Soul," the trumpet blares of `Hustler's Revenge.') Special nods go out for Jazzanova's `Fedtime's Flight' as a darling closer. Just a few stumbles: the yipping gibberish of `Circus Freak,' and the Mazi Audio Soul remix of `Mushrooms' that doesn't quite measure up to Salt City Orchestra's take. Worthy? Oh yes. Anyone tired of disco loops, exuberant garage vocals, or frenzied beats per minute will find this a pleasant change of pace. Nite Life is fast approaching the vaunted Global Underground compilations for quality, and this is one more feather in their cap."