"NuBreed is a sister series designed to push innovative DJ talent that's bubbling outside the international A-list. It's about investing in the future by developing new sounds by forward thinking DJ's." -The Global Underground
It seems ages ago that Satoshi Tomiie first met Frankie Knuckles. Eons have seemingly passed since his inauguration to the Def Mix Crew. And for over a decade now, 'Tears' has been cemented as a historical landmark in House music. So why is veteran Satoshi Tomiie mixing the latest NuBreed compilation? Certainly, innovation does not mean only new talent can produce new sounds. Few words could perhaps ring truer for this Japanese star, as his evolution in the realm of House music has coincided with the progression of an entire genre. Says Tomiie, "My sound keeps changing and it's just natural to follow my instinct and taste in music."
Several weeks before the NuBreed release, we asked Tomiie what the public should expect from his compilation. "This CD represents the House music I'm into, and the House music I play in clubs. It's not a recording of a DJ set, more like a DJ mix compilation. It's good for dancing, and at the same time, listening enjoyment. There is manual DJ technique and computer technique. Some stuff is special edit with layers mixed together, and actual mixing of records. It will be somewhat dark, with sexy vocals and Tribal beats. I call it New-School Vocal Records, sort of a new style." Tomiie has delivered on his promise, and the result is this remarkable two-CD compilation.
This musical creation is a fantastical journey that seems to soar over many genres, showcasing Tomiie's musical dexterity with each passing track, all honed to perfection. As expected, only the subtlest hint of his old sound can be heard, as this well-traveled veteran has polished his Progressive sound into another entity altogether. Clearly, the extensive range of Tomiie's repertoire is in full effect on this release.
Deeply dark and hypnotic, disc one is an eerie trip through the senses. Leading off, the ambient 'Numb' by Stephane K entrances the listener immediately with its smooth sounds and echoing vocals. Different styles and techniques blend smoothly together, as each buildup just seems so incredibly natural, spanning from Remark's tribal 'So Pure' and Lexicon Avenue's deep-vocals on 'From Dusk Till Dawn', to Kosheen's beautiful and transcendental 'Hungry'. The CD ends with King of Tomorrow's 'I Want You', a delivery on his special 'New-School Vocal Record' style.
The second disc is easily more upbeat, but nonetheless retains the dark and supernatural aura of the first. Escalating to a higher level of listening entrapment, the tracks will inevitably draw you to the dance floor while never releasing you from its hypnosis. From his collaboration with Tarantella and Redanka on Graffik's Progressive 'Lesser Man', to the catchy beats of Echoman's 'Substance', Tomiie really attempts to expand the familiar horizons we've grown accustomed to. Breaks specialists Hybrid find their track 'Visible Noise' remixed to perfection, and the compilation finally concludes with Max Graham's silky smooth 'Tell You'.
Tomiie's incredible and imaginative masterpiece is arguably the best NuBreed release to date, and possibly one of the best Progressive House mixes ever. His track choices are as flawless as his mixing, and the hard work undoubtedly dedicated to this project is easily apparent. Satoshi Tomiie, already a shining star in the industry, has now extended his extraordinary legacy just a little more.