Taking it’s name from his legendary club night slot at Ibiza’s Space, Steve Lawler releases his latest mix album ‘Viva’ through Ministry Of Sound. In order to reflect both the White Isle’s and his own varied moods and influences, each CD on this 3 disc bumper filled offering, has its own theme, in the form of days 1, 2 and 3. Beginning with a somewhat tiresome self penned introduction, Day 1 is all about good euphoric house. Big and bold, Lawler skillfully mixes the likes of Chelonis R. Jones’ ‘Deer In The Headlights’ with Livo and Robby’s electro filled ‘Break’, Pete Heller’s mesmerizing ‘Simpler’ and Mark Knight’s anthemic ‘Acid Test’. Drawing on all his experience and understanding of how dance music works, Lawler expertly increases the tempo and drops the pressure at the right moment every time, ensuring over an hours worth of club land euphoria... and this is just Day 1.
Day 2 takes on a different guise. It’s more specialized, more minimal and slightly darker than its predecessor. For those not heavily into or appreciative of this music it might not be as immediately accessible But for those who are, its all part of the experience and after building on our expectations with the likes of Anthony Collins’ ‘Amanda’ and Jamie Jones’ ‘Amazone’ we’re treated to and rewarded with the head filling extravagances of Kaiser Souzai’s ‘Monique’ before finally culminating with an understated mix of Lindstrom’s ‘I Feel Space’.
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Another disc another day, and the third and last offers the listener a slice of post club ecstasy. And no, before you ask, it’s not another Cafe Del Mar rehash. Lawler has a different vision and one that is more reflective of the scene. In places, brooding, in others affecting but completely enchanting and mesmerizing all the same. Lawler delivers with ease Marc O’Tool’s ‘Der 13’ and Mint’s ‘Life In A Windscreen’ before ultimately ending with Tube-Tech’s captivating and extremely laid back and beautiful version of The Doors classic ‘The End’. Steve Lawler knows exactly what he’s doing, has intelligently gathered a whole host of tracks to mix for your listening pleasure and he’s done it well.
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