Around the World

by Jason Birchmeier Christopher Lawrence's third annual mix for Moonshine isn't much different from his preceding offerings. Like those mixes, this one features a handful of lengthy tracks (none clocking under five minutes) mixed together seamlessly. Part of this mix's seamlessness is due to the homogeneity of the tracks Lawrence throws down -- most lumber along at the same syncopated tempo, are driven by layers upon layers of synthesizer riffs, and feature lots of superfluous ornamentation intended to trip you out. Highlights include the occasional intense buildup, melodic interlude, and ambient lull. For the most part, however, this mix glides along at a steady pace, peaking during Marc Auerbach's "Muke" when a heavily treated vocal chant cuts through the layers of synthesizer riffs and then again during Sonik Kross' "Walking With Dreamz" during the standard snare-drum buildup so often associated with trance. Overall, however, there aren't too many noteworthy moments on this mix; it's best taken in its entirety rather than on a track-by-track basis. Part of the reason why Lawrence became so popular in the States is because he's consistent -- he releases about one album a year and they're all fairly similar. Chances are you know what you're getting into before even giving this album a listen. No surprises here.