Zero Db - Heavyweight Gringos (CD)

When most producers or groups release mix albums, they're an afterthought at worst and only a friendly picnic for friends and well-wishers at best. Zero dB, being remixers first and foremost themselves, obviously put more thought into the remix album that accompanied their 2006 debut production LP, Bongos, Bleeps & Basslines. It not only hits harder than the average mix album, but it allows space for a host of young producers to apply grubby paws to their material. (After all, Zero dB's Chris Vogado and Neil Combstock must have once been young themselves.) The results are excellent, reflecting a parade of boundary-breaking beats and producers who knew to come prepared when remixing for Zero dB. If anything, the up-front productions and effects that push the line aren't matched by quality beats and grooves, but the highlights are excellent indeed -- Dibaba's remix of "Bongos, Bleeps & Basslines," ATFC's remix of "Te Quiero," and Peter Kruder's remix of the same. ~ John Bush