Watergate 19 CD

Recorded live in Berlin last July, Soul Clap's contribution to the Watergate series is the soundtrack to what sounds like one the summer's best parties. Focusing predominantly on US house, the transitions are seamless but unfussy, and the mood throughout celebratory. From the deranged sax squall of Chocolate City's "Taxi Luv" to the sun-kissed jazzy keys and disco groove of Roy Davis Jnr's "The Beautiful One" to seductive soulful tones of Ron Trent's "Deep Art Sounds", this is a near flawless collection. It never veers into self-indulgence and features percussive, acid-led remixes from Francois K and Jori Hulkkonen as well as Mike Dunn's classic Chicago track, "Dance U Mutha". When Soul Clap get on the mic near the end to invite the crowd to an after party, this reviewer was half-hoping that it would be extended to anyone who heard this mix.