The success that Ben Korbel has enjoyed as an Australian DJ has, for one reason or another, never quite managed to bridge the gaps between Australian clubbers and the global DJ circuit. EQ/Stomp’s latest compilation may change that, however; Korbel laces eighteen tracks together with smooth precision and touches the realms of contemporary techno, minimal and sexy deep house with even-handed discretion that is bound to find firm footing amongst EDM’s elite.

Electric 03 is an entirely middle-of-the-road musical mixture. It neither plunges into hypnotic waters nor skirts waves of frenzied enthusiasm. I have found the most enjoyment from Korbel’s mix whilst driving on country roads in the evening, or working late at my desk. The modesty of the album might just be a reflection of the man behind the decks. Says Korbel, ‘The record company said I could choose all the music… I nominated 60 tracks, they got 59 cleared for use so I put together the mix 100 per cent. They even went so far as to emphasize they didn’t want me to appease them in any way.’ Thus, Electric 03 is an accurate reflection of the balance brought to the dancefloor by an already balanced DJ talent with a decade of longevity under his belt. It is a rare window into the mind of the musician, and one that dance fans world-wide certainly should be aware of.

The first eight tracks remind me of an exceptionally good opening set for DJ’s such as Nic Fanciulli or Ricardo Villalobos – And, despite losing my attention between ‘Want 2 Shake With U’ and ‘ASB (Mirko Remix)’ – Electric 03 gains body and momentum at Der Dritte Raum’s ‘Luna Llena,’ after which it maintains a Danny Howells-esque flavor that lasts until its closing moments – in good company, it may be worth mentioning, with the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Horror Inc., Matt O’Brien and an LFO/Fuse collaboration.

Ben Korbel embarks upon his maiden voyage as a compilation DJ with one admirable purpose in mind: To create a mix compilation of his own conception that reflects his skill and taste as a DJ. To wit, he does just that. Neither flashy nor cerebral, Electric 03 has sex appeal, electronic taste and the unique watermark of its creator behind each and every smoothly-crafted curve. For fans of deep tech-house, contemporary electronica and the Balance moniker itself, this one is in every way worth a listen.

~ James Woodruff