[i:Vibes] Max Graham - Cycles [Armada]

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Max Graham - Cycles [Armada]

00:43 - December 4, 2008

by Watts

As promised we've got more quality album action for you. This time, we urge you to check out Max Graham's compilation, 'Cycles'...

:: Max Graham - Cycles
:: Armada
:: ARMA146

Tracklisting
CD1
01. Max Graham – Intro
02. Analog People In A Digital World – The Envelope Of Life
03. Oliver Moldan & Patric La Funk – Good Fellas (Patch Park Remix
04. Max Graham – Frozen
05. David Tort & DJ Ruff Meets DJ Disciple – Destination (La Sexy Mix)
06. Patch Park – Got That Mi
07. Dubfunk – Mandala (Patch Park Mix)
08. Lemon 8 – New York New York (Patch Park Mix)
09. Simon Shaker vs. Groove Garcia – Soultechi (Simon & Shaker Remix)
10. Roland Klinkenburg – Dusty Horizons (Max Graham Mix)
11. Mango – Handelskai
12. Analog People In A Digital World – The Violet Trip

CD2
01. Max Graham – Intro
02. Tim Le El & Woolion – Bodymovin’ (Inpetto Remix)
03. Kos – Zero To Hero
04. EDX – Premiumline
05. Max Graham – Turkish Delight
06. Marcus Schossow – Sweedish Beatballs (Max Graham Mix)
07. Soliquid – Music Is For Rich People (Mat Zo Remix)
08. David West & Orkidea – God’s Garden
09. Mat Zo – Fumar
10. Cressida – 6AM (Kyau & Albert Remix
11. Max Graham Feat Jessica Jacobs – I Know You’re Gone
12. Ketho Feat Michael Calderone – Silent Room
13. Mitiska & Medina – After Hours Ensemble (David West Remix)

Max Graham, the Canadian DJ legend, presents a new series of compilations: 'Cycles'. Something that Max has been doing for years, and doing very well, is expertly crafting DJ sets to capture the crowd and to draw them in slowly, building the energy and expectation, and waiting for the right moment to unleash the energy into the dancefloor.

This is what Cycles is all about, and Max demonstrates this ability over the two CDs that make up this interesting compilation. The man himself goes on to say "The first part of the album is more of an opening set... I love to tease, to make people beg for that peak time energy. CD2 is that peak time vibe that leads into the melodic and emotional cool down that I try to include in a 2, 3 or 6 hour set..."

The tracks for the compilation have been very well selected - this becomes evident after the briefest of listens. The first CD is tantalisingly powerful yet restrained, just as Max describes. There is "oomph" there for sure, but the pace, the mix, are just right to allow you to feel the slow build up and really enjoy these slower yet intriguing beats. The style could be described as very deep house and engrossing techno.

The second CD is definitely lighter, although the tracks do run in the same vein. This lightness in the sound is conveyed either through the subtlest of melodies or perhaps not so heavy beats and eventually, for the final few tracks, the sound actually encroaches on gentle, trancey sounds. The gentle transition into the style is fantastic and it makes it a perfect way to finish. It's easy to be able to imagine hearing this as a Max Graham set in a club without a doubt.

The mixing, which is one of the several elements this album focuses on, is brilliant. You don't see most of them coming and they really do flow. Nothing is forced, it's just the perfect progression of sounds.

Conclusion:
Max Graham is a name everyone should know, maybe for DJ sets, or his unforgettable productions. This album is also something which should stick in your mind, as it's a demonstration of excellence and technical skill, by a true expert.