Submitted by rysh on 28th June, 01:28PM

Though not usually quoted as one of the most popular ones, Anthony Pappa Balance 006 was a pure progressive house affair; four years on how much could things have changed.

The first mix CD he has made in nearly half a decade, 'Moments' is a two CD compilation with Pappa dropping nearly thirty huge tracks in his trademark style. Regarded as Australia's biggest DJ export, Anthony Pappa certainly needs no introduction, but for anyone who may not have, this crash course is sure to be a good one.

Setting off deep and slow, Pappa's technical skill is unquestionable and unlike many others in his position he does a great job doing what's asked, mixing good tunes - incredibly well. The tunes he has selected in this first disc are all of similar feel and sound, deep, simple and interesting; it isn't until the later sections of the mix that tunes begin to really standout. 'Mariposa,' by DJ Koze is a beautiful progressive track that gracefully glides along, briefly building towards the end then smoothly floating into 'Karmik Loops,' which in a similar style is another aural pleasure.

Anthony Pappa's very own 'Outback' is another intriguing track, the 'Pappa & Chad Infront Mix' is reminiscent of various old school sounds, from the main arpeggio to the side chained bassline - it's a very fun piece. Reaching the end of this fifteen track escapade, Pappa smoothly uses 'Willi Wuller' and 'Euphoria' to build up to Lutzenkirchen's 'My Girlfriends Girl'. Though the tone has only changed slightly from the beginning, it's the way Pappa has done it that is really amazing, he manages to keep the listener interested whilst keeping the beat rolling.

Continuing exactly where he left off, Pappa uses Applescal - 'Joey's Mouse' to instantly get the ball back in court - disc two is definitely going to be that late night sound you'll hear Pappa spinning. Even more so than in the first CD, you notice how fast tracks go past, which is a result of his ability to form seamless lengthy transitions. 'Sparky's Heartstopper,' from Stel, adds so melody to the fray, adding nicely to 'Day Shift' before that big tune from Aussie compatriot, Jamie Stevens. The biggest tune personally for me comes in 'Nothing,' Jamie Stevens remix. This track really defines the wide span of progressive sounds Pappa has displayed throughout these two discs - the sine chords two thirds of the way through are ingenious too.

Nearing the climax, Anthony takes a turn down deep for a few tunes until 'Rekorder 10.2,' at which things get in full swing again for 'Superpicture,' a crazy tune with an inharmonic sounding lead. Unfortunately this choice for closing may not have been the best, though Pappa's achievement with these down discs is not even slightly disavowed with it. Anthony Pappa's history in progressive house shines through brilliantly in this compilation, long, well cued mixes sustain an amazing journey into the progressive sounds of techno or tech-house.

As far as mix compilations go, Anthony Pappa has achieved something very special, two discs of deep, progressive tech-house mixed in a superb way. 'Moments' is definitely one to look out for if you're a fan of Pappa and this style of music. DJs could learn a thing or two about mixing from this man - look out for tour dates because that's a moment you wouldn't want to miss.

4/5