Another Late Night

Another Late Night

DJ Dan's follow-up to 1999's Funk the System doesn't have the jagged vibes of that record, employing a lighter touch and an ear toward trance techno's particular sense of flow. But unlike the crystal-clear music of trance gods like John Digweed or Chistopher Lawrence, DJ Dan's mix has a dirty urbanity about it that gives it an appealing street smarts. It's a fine line to walk, since too much down-and-dirtiness will turn off those who like their trance to soar in the clouds, while not enough will alienate subterranean club dwellers with a soft spot for the old school. Still, Dan manages it, especially working with slam-dunk material like Carl Cox's "Dr. Funk" and influential progressive house from Eddie Amador, whose approach typifies the uncommonly funky blends found on the Yoshitoshi label. As smooth and sumptuous as trance music can be, it's a pleasantly jolting slap upside the head to hear a DJ with a velvety touch for dance-floor vibe mix in a rougher, house-flavored edge to the proceedings. --Matthew Cooke

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