CrosstownRebels Vol 01
~ Various Artists

From what started as a dream of Damian Lazarus’s, the former City Rockers A&R, to create a UK based label of fresh, exciting and forward-thinking dance music to compete and work alongside our European neighbours, soon became a reality and after 3 wonderful years Crosstown Rebels call for a moment of reflection as Damian joins the dots from the first release to the soon to be released.

The aptly titled, Crosstown Rebels Vol.1 mix shows the deeper side of the label and starts with the unreleased ‘City Boy’ by new signing Minilogue and is followed by the second ever release by Presslaboys, the fact these two records work so well together is a mark of how strong the vision has been from the start. From there we have the amazing Alex Smoke remix of the now classic ‘Safari’ and three sublime tracks from future stars 3 Channels, Mlle Caro & Franck Garcia and Frankie Flowerz. It wouldn’t be right if Kiki & Silversurfer weren’t included in the mix, two stars who’ve been with and grown with the label from the beginning and very appropriately Damian’s used ‘Sleeza’ – CRM001, an amazing track that sounds as fresh as it did 3 years ago!

The dark darlings of France, Black Strobe and Jennifer & Ho follow and take the mix on an all round more electro route and the British bright young hopes Matt Tolfrey & Craig Sylvester follow with the massive ‘Acix’. Some would say the best is saved to last with two Rebel anthems, the thundering monster that is Eulberg’s remix of Bucci’s ‘L’Nuit’ and Mathew Jonson’s work of absolute genius for Hiem’s ‘She’s The One’.

An amazing showcase of talent, superbly programmed to perfectly encapsulate the sound, vision and growth of Crosstown Rebels and long may it continue!