Intensify
British DJ-producerNick Warrenhas long been making mixes and music for highway consumption. Most of hisGlobal Undergroundcompilations, such asAmsterdam, lend themselves to long road trips and smooth shifts in velocity. So it's no surprise that this, another project with Bristol dance music wunderkindJody Wisternoff, is also made for movement. Consisting of progressive trance with some soulful textures and melodies woven into its fabric,Intensifyis more emotionally balanced than a straightforward mix, yet it retains enough beat-driven drama to work comfortably as a continuous affair."The Fall," already a club anthem, kicks things off, then the record moves through the interstate trance of "Activity," the ethereal "Hypnotise," and the pedal-to-the-metal "Intensify Part 01." The duo also get a touch experimental on songs like "Stealth," featuringKirsty Hawkshaw, and the exciting, expansive tribal trance of "UB Devoid." Like almost everything involving Nick Warren,Intensifyis a fine release brimming with creativity, passion, and a curious but successful juxtaposition of the familiar and unknown.--Steffan Chirazi