With releases such as “Burning Up” and “Summer Dream” being hammered by the likes of Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto and Judge Jules, expectations for Kuffdam’s debut artist album are bound to be high. Fortunately, the Scottish DJ and producer doesn’t disappoint. Like any good trance artist, Network shows off a range of his skills, seamlessly offsetting uplifting, euphoric tracks like “The Ones We Loved” and “No Way Out” against more dark and moody sounds as in “Network Jam.” Highlights include: Judge Jules’ Radio 1 Tried and Tested record of the week, “Summer Dream,” and “The Last Time” featuring vocals from Lo-Fi Sugar, whose voice you may recognize from Paul van Dyk’s “Castaway.” Atmospheric and driving with catchy melodies and chilled Ibizan vibes, apart from one possible oversight in a track name (“Shagadelic” implies some kind of Austin Powers sound bite), the entire album is almost faultless.
Ellie Hanagan
File under: Paul van Dyk, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Super8 & Tab