Bedrock Breaks: Fractured - Hyper

A veteran of countless clubs, several dozen successful dance nights, and two multi-volume mix series, DJ Hyper should've been counted on to deliver another solid set to follow on from his first for Bedrock. Surprisingly, though, while it's clear he still has a well-trained ear for spotting a hook, the mid-tempo breaks he spins on this double-disc set usually feature nothing more than a squelchy bassline or a subtle interplay between the beats and the effects. It makes for rather bland listening, something less than kinetic for the dancefloor-inclined and capable of making home listeners downright drowsy. Hyper begins the first mix with a suitable introduction, Momu's "Sunsicle," but slots in far too many passé imitations of proper breaks tunes -- it's really saying something when an Oakenfold tune proves the highlight of the mix. The second disc in the set ("Bruised" to the first disc's "Dislocated"), improves the mix slightly; Hyper draws on tracks from quality veterans (WestBam, Ils) as well as some excellent newcomers (Proper Filthy Naughty, Soul of Man), and really kicks toward the end with a B.L.I.M. remix of the classic "Music Takes You" that moves into his own track, "Slapper." ~ John Bush, All Music Guide