Mute - Direct Cuts II - Redux [Running Back]

The burden of proof when it comes to depth is quite peculiar. Even if one presses all the right buttons, quotes the appropriate sources and applies the textbook techniques, it often feels as if something is missing. The elusive producer Mute never had that problem. Blessed with a sound of his own, which seems to stem from within and can be called deep house without the stiff attitude of the genre, his aesthetic includes a distinct sense for boogie and disco elements. A clear example: Lost. Positioned as a B2, it is the secret opener of Direct Cuts II and more prominent on this new edition of a Running Back classic. Moulded into an extended disco version by Gerd Janson with unused parts of the original recording session, it is something of a curved disco deep house tune, following the motto: you and I, we can be like a whole universe! Hard to resist and even harder not to like if you have the slightest interest in Prelude Records records, Diana Ross songs or Tee Scott’s mixing techniques. Basics, Vibes and Driver’s License delve further into Mute’s world and musical mindset.

Originally released in 2006 as the fourth instalment of the label and the second (and last so far) from the elusive artist, it is still as remarkable as on its first release. Carefully rescued from the original DAT tapes, all re-edited by Gerd Janson and remastered by Lopazz, it’s available again in a clear and present portrait of its original intention. Pacesetters such as Danny Krivit and the Idjut Boys can’t be wrong.