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Stereo Deluxe has released the second edition of The Ascension Dimension, a collection from the young but acclaimed Ascension Records. Ascension has been responsible for a string of 12" singles that has placed them as one of the top Neo-Lounge labels in the world, each release appearing in charts of high-ranking DJ’s like Gilles Peterson and Richard Dorfmeister. This Neo-Lounge sound encompasses Dub, NuJazz, House, and other downtempo styles with passionate and soulful results.
For this collection, Ascension compiled a two CD set of their releases in addition to work by the label’s friends and collaborators. Ascension’s portion features dubbed out Afro-Beat, House, and Jazz tunes by such artists as The Funky Lowlives, Minimal Boy, Columbia Carina, East Village Headz and the friend’s section features Streetlife Originals, Ben Mitchell, Glen Undergound, and Loungechic Productions.
The production and writing on each of the tracks is astonishing, especially given that Ascension is such a young label. Kudos to the A&R rep for such a great selection of artists, each of the tracks are perfect for the dance floor or lounging in the bedroom. The speak-easy party vibe echoes through the album and thrusts a sound that is jammed with detail. The obvious attention to melody is moving and a majority of the percussion work is intricately written with a sort of manic intensity. With Ascension’s global sound, even the most critical listener can find a piece of this collection that will delight their tastes. In the sea of labels and compilation albums, Ascension could be overlooked but by no means should be. The quality of their releases is definitely going to launch them ahead and let them make their mark.
-Justin Hardison
Disc One
- "Wicked World"- The Funky Lowlives
- "Rivers" – Lacarno & Burns
- "Eau Du Vie" – Sepia
- "Better Days Dub"- Marc De Clive Low
- "Woody Green"- MB
- "Force Of Evolution"- Minimal Boy
- "Lila D’en Colom"- Streetlife Originals
- "Waiting For Bob Champion" (The Funky Lowlives Remix)- Loungechic Productions
- "Cymbalism" - Ben Mitchell Presents Cymbalism
- "7/8" -Sepia
- "Breezin"- Columbia Carina
- "Late Jam" – Lacarno & Burns
Disc Two
- "Wicked World" (Jazz Dub)- The Funky Lowlives
- "Kasper’s Flow- Columbia Carina
- "Freeway Exile" –Sepia
- "Dub Racer" – Sound Foundation
- "Dub Selecta" – Migs & Jelly
- "Dub Pan Sound" (The Funky Lowlives Remix)- Happy Larry feat. Mickey Simpson
- "Ride On" – Midnight Creeperz
- "5am"- East Village Headz
- "Full & Go-Go" La Cienda Honduras
- "Medones Thought" – Glenn Underground
- "Shaolin (We Love The Rain!)"- Lacarno & Burns
- "Biscuits In The Basement" – DJD Presents The Jammy Dodgers
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