Various Artists

"Vintage Chill: Volume 2. Summer" CD

Kriztal Records

Genres: chill-out, electronica, lounge

Kriztal
15982 NW 48th Avenue
Miami FL 33014

June 21 - 27 2004

What a fitting day to review a summer collection.

Summer is the second installment in Kriztal's seasonal Vintage Chill series, and it's yet another fine selection of relaxing electronic chill-out music.  A bright, jazzy feel is added to layers of melodic synths and pulsing rhythms to create an effect not unlike a sunny summer day at the beach.

Stylistically, this disc is fairly homogeneous - contributions by Minus 8, Physics, and Koop all sound quite similar, only varying in certain aspects (the Koop track, for instance, includes some majestic vocals courtesy of Yukimi Nagano.)  Other highlights include Charles Afton's low-riding "Roadster" and Willie Bobo's smooth and catchy "Spanish Grease."

As far as chill-out music goes, this - like many Kriztal releases - is one of the better compilations out there.  Its wine-themed design is crisply executed, and the music should please just about any lounge addict.

86%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 14 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2003]