The sinfully underhyped Kompakt label has a history of high-qualityreleases in the tech-house and micro-house subgenres, heralding theso-called Cologne Sound that those in the know cannot get enough of.While many house music peers seem content to release exclusively onvinyl, Kompakt is a trendsetter, regularly releasing what now appearsto be annual editions in the Total series of unmixed compilations. Featuring tracks from 12" singles as well as previously unreleased material, Total 5is the latest installment of top-notch tracks from the label'srespectable roster. SCSI-9, a Russian duo with several releases on theacclaimed Forcetracks imprint, opens the disc with "All She Wants Is,"a deep cut structured around a repetitious and incredibly catchy vocalhook and sizzling with a minimal drum loop and various synthembellishments. Superpitcher, who appeared on Total 4 with anelectroclashy number, transform the simplistic house groove of"Mushroom" into a beautiful and rather serene nature scene for theears, complete with simulated water droplets. While these two may straysomewhat from the well-beaten path of Cologne house, contributions fromPhong Sui, M. Mayer, and Reinhart Voigt present solid tunes bubblingover with warm synth pads and steady mechanical beats. If I had tochoose the highlight from the bunch, it would result in an admirabledraw. Potential techno "It boy" T. Raumschmiere of Novamute andShitkatapult fame drops a gooey track of the warbly bass and robot funkhe is currently championing. In contrast, The Orb co-conspirator andSun Electric mastermind Thomas Fehlmann makes a breathtaking appearancewith the gorgeous soft textures and tones of "Radeln." With captivatingdubby echoes and a genuine clickhouse groove, "Radeln" grew on meconsiderably more with each listen. You go buy now. I go eat sandwich.- Justus Köhncke - Homogen
- Superpitcher - Mushroom
- Mikkel Metal - Nepal
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