Anjunadeep 15: A Sonic Odyssey Through Melodic Depths
As a longtime fan of Anjunadeep, I was thrilled to receive a promo of Anjunadeep 15 two days before its official release. With eager anticipation, I dove into the compilation, listening to the entire mix—2 CDs and 38 tracks—twice before sitting down to write this review. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t wait to enjoy this compilation again during one of my upcoming long drives.
Immersing myself in Anjunadeep 15 felt like stepping into a world of atmospheric soundscapes, touching melodies, and driving rhythms. This compilation is a masterclass in mood-setting and emotional storytelling. Each artist meticulously curates their contribution, creating a cohesive and captivating journey from start to finish.
The melodies are a standout feature, with many tracks boasting soaring, emotive vocal performances that add depth and nuance. The production quality is consistently high, showcasing a dedication to sonic excellence. From the opening notes of Parallel Voices’ “Your Love” to the closing moments of “Slow Prophet” by 16BL the compilation expertly builds tension and releases it in waves.
One of the most striking aspects of Anjunadeep 15 is its ability to create an immersive atmosphere that captivates the listener. The repeating patterns, emotive vocals, and sweeping melodies combine to create a sense of journeying through a sonic landscape, with each track building upon the last to form a seamless experience. Tracks like Jody Wisternoff, James Grant, PROFF & Takeshi Furukawa’s “Mui” and Frost’s “I Miss You” exemplify this with their intricate arrangements and dramatic tension.
Anjunadeep 15 is a milestone release, mixed by label boss James Grant and Bristol legend Jody Wisternoff. To celebrate this, they filmed a special live performance from Iceland’s Katla Ice Cave, a fitting location given the label’s frequent use of Icelandic aerial photography for their compilation artworks.
The compilation showcases a diverse array of melodic offerings across two expertly crafted mixes. It features longtime friends of Anjunadeep, such as Luttrell, PROFF, 16BL, and Jon Gurd, alongside rising stars like Parallel Voices, Karyendasoul, Sebastian Sellares, and artemis orion. Additionally, it includes favorites from Anjunabeats like Kasablanca, anamē, Darren Tate, and ANUQRAM, and downtempo Reflections tracks from Cephas Azariah, Talee, and Omfeel. This broad selection demonstrates the full spectrum of Anjuna sounds, pushing the boundaries of their established style.
If there is one criticism of Anjunadeep 15, it’s that some tracks feel a bit too brief. For example, “Happiness” clocks in at just 1:40, which can make it feel somewhat disjointed and lacking in substance. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding compilation.
In conclusion, Anjunadeep 15 is a masterclass in compilation-making. Each track is carefully curated to create a cohesive and captivating journey through the label’s melodic depths. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this compilation is a must-listen for anyone who loves atmospheric, emotive electronic music.
Rating: 4.5/5
Anjunadeep 15 Tracklist
CD1
01. Parallel Voices – Your Love (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix)
02. Luttrell feat. Molly Moonwater – Something Right (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Edit)
03. Jody Wisternoff, James Grant, PROFF & Takeshi Furukawa feat. Siobhan Wilson – Mui
04. Karyendasoul – B27 (Anjunadeep 15 Interlude Edit)
05. MOTSA, Jody Wisternoff & James Grant – Feel This Way
06. Durante feat. SOHN – Losing Game (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Dub)
07. Ezequiel Arias – Love Rhythm
08. Rezident feat. Kate Morgan – Muse
09. Sebastian Sellares – Timeless Era
10. Luttrell – How Late Is Never?
11. Rezident feat. ALLKNIGHT – Miracle
12. ANUQRAM – This Beat
13. M.O.S. – Graycloud
14. Jakatta – American Dream (PROFF Interpretation)
15. Because of Art, Jody Wisternoff & James Grant feat. Ayah Marar – HRSN
16. Kasablanca & anamē – Daydream
17. Frost – I Miss You
18. artemis orion & mayari. – wake (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix)
19. Cephas Azariah – Mellowness Of The Heart
CD2
01. Talee – My Mother Was A Synthesizer
02. Iain Howie – Animal
03. Ezequiel Arias & Sebastian Sellares – Infinity
04. Jam & Spoon – Stella (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix)
05. Jon Gurd & Reset Robot – Five
06. LAR feat. Coulson – The Warning Signs
07. Volen Sentir & PROFF – Luna Amazonia (AM Mix)
08. LAR – Don’t Let Me Down
09. Catching Flies – Falling Apart
10. Nordfold – Pathways
11. Luttrell – Falling
12. Rezident feat. Elmar – Our World
13. Simon Doty & My Friend – Tuxedo Park
14. Nox Vahn – The World Keeps Turning
15. John Monkman – Khord
16. Nox Vahn – Don’t Go
17. Darren Tate & Solarstone feat. Julie Scott – A Long Way From Home (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Remix)
18. Omfeel – Happiness (Jody Wisternoff & James Grant Edit)
19. 16BL – Slow Prophet
