Given the situation in the music industry it is no surprise that several dance music labels went into administration or even hit bankruptcy during the past few years. But after 12 years of Bedrock, the label is still going strong. What makes Bedrock different from other labels you might think? Well - if you followed John Digweed’s Bedrock label throughout the years, you’ve noticed that it went from one of the leading progressive house labels to a label that puts out quality subtle deep house to pumping progressive techno. Just because John Digweed went from a progressive house DJ to a DJ who plays a wide selection of minimal and tech house 5 years ago, to deephouse and tech house today. And that’s exactly what is featured on the 12th anniversary release of Bedrock 12.
Once again Bedrock and John Digweed showcase their best artists. Not only does the album feature a host of established stars like Robert Babicz, Quivver, King Unique, Christian Smith, Nick Warren and of course Digweed & Muir - it also includes new and upcoming talent like Maetrik, Wiretappeur, Max Cooper, Wehbba, and many more. Most of the tracks were already featured on Digweed's DJ sets through out the world and on his Kiss FM Transitions show the past months. For many people following Digweed, including many DJ’s all over the globe this 2 CD compilation is a Christmas gift coming early!
But is it any good? Well, after being released just a month or two after the release of Structures, the Bedrock 12 compilation is a bit disappointing. This 2 CD is just a compilation and has no mixed disc. Yes, it sums up a pretty amount of quality tracks, but in my opinion Bedrock lost his pronounced sound as a label. Bedrock has no real signature Bedrock sound anymore. Still, John Digweed has an ear for quality music, and after 12 years of Bedrock that’s maybe what counts. Yet, if it were for the tracks alone I would rate this release a 6.5.
For the sake of good old times I'll make this a 7 - I do have a soft spot for Bedrock and hope they'll hang in there for many more years to come.
7/10 - Jeroen van Heukelom
(tracklist next page)
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