It’s been a long time since we we’re treated to a compilation from the progressive don, but finally it has arrived, the second instalment in the Quivver DJ mix series, Controlled Substance on Boz Boz.

Now to say that I was a fan of Transport 5 (John Graham’s first mix CD) is a massive understatement, It was one of the CD’s that got me into progressive music and pioneered an obsession of mine in everything electronic sounding.

I was excited to here about a second Quivver CD, but to be honest a little apprehensive also. Since Transport 5 was recorded there has been growth and a lot of change in the progressive sound, a lot of which has been prog-by-numbers efforts by relatively unknowns or very complacent producers. Fortunately for progressive enthusiasts there are some names you can always rely on to produce good records, make classic floor-killers and press vinyl you’ll never be able to take your needle off! One of those names is Quivver.

Controlled Substance, starts off with a typically Quivveresque intro. Plenty of atmospheric sweeps and bleeps that drop perfectly into the first record. Maurice Bakes’ Dub Electric is a wicked breaks track with an addictive vocal and a unique sound. The start of the CD follows on in a similar fashion, setting the groove with some solid breakbeat. Quivver’s own remix of One Thing the pick of the bunch, nice atmospheric funky greatness. This is followed by two more Quivver tracks in the form of Not Givin Up. Quivver again reworks both of these, first with the spaced out `Dried Out’ Mix and secondly with the more driving and druggy `Dirty Dub’.

Personally I always find it reassuring to see a producer playing his own work, it provides me with the confidence that they believe in the tunes they make and why not, they are brilliant. Unfortunately though for me, the next track was a massive miss. Don’t get me wrong Dylan Rhymes & Ricky Stone – Shanghai Taxi (Deepgroove Mix) is a wicked tech-house track, but it just doesn’t fit and for me it kills the energy that the CD was beginning to build up. It slows the CD right down and just appears to be misplaced some how!? This is however my only petty quibble.

The second half of the CD samples some more crackers from Quivver’s box which ultimately build up to the fantastic Jaytech – Genesis. Jaytech is on fire at the minute and Genesis is just another example of this. It’s a powerful melodic prog monster with wicked FX and an awesome trippy vocal to boot.

My favourite track however is not Genesis, it’s the track that chases it. Digital Music is techy stomper that had me hooked! I can’t wait for the tune to come out, it’s packed full of throbbing bass, distorted synths and enough vocoded vox to make your face cave in. Awesome stuff! ;-)

If I’m completely honest, this CD isn’t a patch on Transport 5. But it is certainly a great follow up, with some wicked tracks and solid mixing Controlled Substance is certainly the CD to get your hands on in August.

John Graham – I will look forward to the next instalment in the Quivver mix series! Great Stuff!!

You can preorder your copy now at Amazon.co.uk for the costing of 1099 Great British pennies.