Posted on 09/21/2005

 

A mixtape compilation can be a funny thing. You're bound to get some really good tunes (albeit in—no doubt—an altered form) and some admirable showing-off on the turntables by the mixer. However, these same things that can be the good side to a mix can also be the cause of its downfall. I have no doubts that DJ Kentaro is a great DJ, technically speaking. This mix is seamless as scratching and juggling are executed flawlessly and placed perfectly into the context of a well thought-out, cohesive mix. However (and here's the downfall), because of my less-than-rabid consumption of drum & bass music, I'm automatically excluded. Some names in the tracklist ring a bell, but most are unfamiliar. Because these songs are being manipulated, I can't pass judgment based on what I've heard here if an unfamiliar name doesn't exactly appeal to me.

Ultimately, On the Wheels of Solid Steel does its job. Regardless of personal taste, it's a fun document of a DJ sharing a set of his favorites, mixing them up with precision and putting them into the context in which he hears them. On the up side, the mix is accompanied by a DVD that features a music video and two live performances by Kentaro. I found the DVD far more interesting since it showcases Kentaro's ability to incorporate turntablist techniques into his mix and still make it sound cohesive (not to mention that watching someone juggle that fast is just plain cool to see).

If for nothing else, the mix is interesting to see what's on another DJ's playlist and see the techniques he's using. Perhaps an avid drum and bass follower would get more out of it.