Cut Copy compilation focusing on their backyard. Rewind 10 years before this compilation and we were treated to the debut album from a relatively unknown dance duo that helped shape a new generation. Their debut album, Bright Like Neon, gave us one of the earliest glimpses of what was going on down under. Warm synths, fantastic melodies, essentially a third wave of the more discofied French sound. Fast forward to 2014, Cut Copy has become hugely successful and put a few more albums under their belts and they've turned their focus on where things started for them. 'Oceans Apart' put the spotlight on the up and coming Melbourne scene that has since become one of the most looked to in the world of dance not dance music. Broken into two parts on vinyl, the first sampler is a much more subtle introduction with some Lab favorites showing up. The four tracks show the diversity of the scene. Michael Ozone's 'Oxygen' has somewhat of a post Larry Heard feel to it with soft keys and blippy flourishes that transports you from the dancefloor to your mother's womb. Andras and Oscar's 'Music Is My Life' is another one that takes from the formative years of Chicago, not so much in energy but in lo-fi goodness that also walks the line of Balearic moodiness. Nite Delta's 'Aether' is definitely the 'banger' here. Acidic keys, grooving bassline, and relentless vibes. Finally, Roland Tings' 'Swimmer' is another DEEP track that recalls the 90s electronica period of The Orb and the better part of the 'Chill Room' at your warehouse rave.  

• music label: Cutters 2014

reviewed by Sanchez 3/2016