Maximum Chillout is the first in a new brand of compilation CD that pitches the most lenitive downtempo music from cutting edge future talent alongside gems from established favourites.

Refreshingly, the tracks on Maximum Chillout have actually been chosen for their ability to soothe and engage the listener. The big name ‘chill out’ remixes of trance tracks that are more likely to be heard in Café Uno than Del Mar have been avoided at all costs. Whether signed to a major international label or fledgling Scandinavian operation, the talent on display in Maximum Chillout is as exemplary as it is international.

Highlights include Finland’s Ercola, who has recorded tracks for respected electronica labels Telle and Warp, and turns in a deep-ambient-dub track that perfectly complements the sci-fi pianos of Moby’s ‘Fireworks’.

Born in Chicago but now established in Florida, PCSynergy, who have previously recorded for west coast label Imperial Dub, have an altogether more relaxed ambience than many of their more jackin’ contemporaries from the windy city. In ‘Somewhere else’, they have created a moody groove that sounds like it’s just bubbled out of the deep south swamps.

Having given Ministry’s “Chillout Sessions” the awesome ‘Falling’, Substructure truly set us adrift on memory bliss with the sensuous vibes of ‘Firewire’. Big Chill veteran Lol Hammond contributes the augmented keys and wailing chants of “Baby Piano”, whilst Hungary’s king-of-chillout Karnyi lets us know “it’s just the sun-rising” with the golden brown melodies of ‘Mini B’.

It’s left to prostrate practitioner Chris Coco to round proceedings off and ensure you’re chilled out - to the max. His beautiful mix of Thick Dick’s “Insatiable” is a bonafide Balearic gem that was heard seeping from bars and lounges across the width and breadth of Ibiza this year. So run yourself a bath, pour a glass of red wine (or in my case a large tumbler of Whiskey) and press play on the stereo to immerse yourself in Maximum Chillout.

Tracklisting
1. Lol Hammond ‘Baby Piano’
2. Erfling Easier ‘88’
3. Moby ‘Fireworks’
4. Ercola ‘Interlude’
5. Substructure ‘Firewire’
6. Metamorph ‘High Rise’
7. Karnyi ‘Mini B’
8. Soundsource ‘Dusk ‘til Dawn’
9. Soul Searchers ‘Bonne Journe’
10. PCSynergy ‘Somewhere Else’
11. Centro 53 ‘Takoi Beach’
12. Masdafari ‘Chiltern’
13. Smoove Criminal ‘Cairo Clapham’
14. Thick Dick ‘Insatiable’ (Chris Coco’s Vocal mix)