AMG Review of Night Works [Bonus Tracks]

John Bush
All Music Guide

They're a pair of master DJs, but Layo Paskin and Matthew "Bushwacka" B still haven't released a mix album together. With the production prowess shown on their sophomore set, Night Works, though, fans shouldn't have a problem waiting a bit longer. It helps that the album is as streamlined as a mix set; listeners are well into the third track before they even realize it. "Shining Through" paves over the speed bumps of the usual techno breaks, stream-rollering the percussion and effects until they're smooth as blacktop, but allowing what's left a strength and resiliency that's all the better for the process. A few short, scattered interludes stall the flow a bit, but the rest of the tracks are all quality. "All Night Long" really sparkles, boasting a quick pace, several stylistic changeups, and the dynamic sonic grandeur of the best Underground Resistance productions. Like exhausted club kids retreating from the main room into the lounge, the pair spend some time in downtempo territory, with the delicious,dubbed-out Southern soul of "Sleepy Language" and the bluesy breakbeat of "Blind Tiger." Best of all, the duo knows how interminable a 74-minute production LP sounds, so Night Works wraps up after barely three-quarters of an hour. Still, they save the best for second-to-last, another epic production titled "Love Story." [This version of the album includes bonus material.]