People 2: Both Sides of the Picture
The Austin DJ with the 10-gallon hat returns forBoth Sides of the Picture, using an uptempo/downtempo split for his 2-disc sequel to 2002’sPeople. A wealth of swooping melody on CD 1 (People Chilling) shows off the light trance production that has made D:Fuse a favorite with long-time practitioners of the genre likePaul Oakenfold. Unfortunately, D:Fuse spends too long on borderline new age like Piano Heaven’s "Subtech" to build a convincing blue-room mood. The trip finally starts about midway through with the teasing beats and cascading keyboards of Timewave Zero’s beautiful "Joy." CD 2 (People Clubbing) concentrates on energetic house, starting with his "Music is About You" manifesto, and continuing through to the cheesy but delicious remake of U2’s "New Year’s Day." While a bit spotty, D:Fuse’s sense of adventure carries the mix, successfully capturing the DJ’s kinetic live act into the studio. –Matthew Cooke