Anjunadeep 09 Review

Hot on the heels of their September ABGT250 live show, the deep house label Anjunadeep released their ninth yearly album on October 27, 2017. Mixed by the label’s veteran producers James Grant & Jody Wisternoff, the double-disk Anjunadeep 09 includes a total of 36 tracks and almost 20 artists — a balanced mixture of new releases, remixes, collaborations, and edits.

The album features the return of Anjunadeep 08 names like Lycoriscoris, Tontario, Gacha Bakradze, Aiiso, and most notably Luttrell — the label’s 2017 breakout star, who contributes three tracks — alongside established names like the 16 Bit Lolitas, Martin Roth, and everyone’s favorite Finn Yotto. As with previous Anjunadeep releases, 09 is characterized by a slow, melodic deep & progressive house vibe that shifts from a somewhat brooding and bittersweet atmosphere to more upbeat, energetic music.

The album has so many great tracks that it’s actually difficult to say which stand out the most. Indeed, everyone seems to have their own favorites from 09. For us, it would have to be Wisternoff & Grant’s remix of Xinobi’s “Far Away Place,” which sounds mesmerising with its humming vocals, the 16 Bit Lolitas remix of L. Doblado’s “Lie Alone” with its juxtaposed male and female vocals and beautiful production, and Antic’s catchy “Touch of My Soul.” If you’re a fan of deep & progressive house, you’re bound to find several tracks on 09 that really stand out to you.

Having said that, Anjunadeep 09 is certainly not without its fair share of critics. For instance, some fans say the album is a departure from the more dark, progressive sound of previous compilations, and includes too many “soft” and feel-good tracks. Another common complaint is that it doesn’t feel as cohesive and well-structured. But in the end, Anjunadeep 09 is still another high-quality Anjunadeep release, a label that continues to wow electronic music lovers with its unique, and dare we say soul-touching sound.