Cass: Spundae Presents Interpretations, Vol. 3 : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

You have to give Californian superclub Spundae credit. While their U.K. counterparts Ministry of Sound and Cream are content to issue authorless mix compilations packed with chart hits -- made for people who've never set foot in their hallowed halls -- Spundae have made the second installment of their mix series solely for the patrons. Spun by resident DJ Cass, this two-disc set is a true-to-life testimony of the kind of quality you could expect on a weekend visit to one of the club's outlets. It's a barrage of deftly spun dance genres, from the ingenious Brit. Disc One offers inklings of classic Detroit-style techno on Plastikman's (Richie Hawtin's) "Panikattack," which gives way to the housier tones of Bushwacka's "Egyptian" and Gus Gus' "Ladyshave." Elsewhere on Disc Two, the Fire Records boss offers his twist on the progressive sound made popular by Sasha and John Digweed. Here Cass finds his forte, kicking the set off with Sasha contributor Charlie May's "Behemoth," which leads the charge to his own acidic, sweaty charmer, "Mind Rewind." Though perhaps more profitable to put together the hits, with Cass, Spundae have instead carved out its brand with class.

JOLIE LASH
(July 9, 2002)