Steve Goodman, dubstep guru better known as Kode9 and label boss of London’s innovative Hyperdub, contributes a mix to the legendary 15-years of DJ-Kicks. This is not a typical dubstep mix, and it’s not a snapshot of what’s hot right now, instead it takes you on a journey from the early 2000s through dubsteb, township funk, UK funky, dancehall, dub, futuristic soul, broken beat, digital r&b, jungle and full circle back to UK garage, grime and dubstep. Featuring mostly Brittish artists, it’s a surprise to hear L.A.’s sexy sirens Rozzi Daime and J*Davey on this mix.

With an atmospheric and ambient start; “Once In A While” by producer Lone, explores tropical steel drums before Kode9 jumps into a busy percussive track by Aardvarck. He then follows up with 2 tracks of his own: “Blood Orange” and the exclusive and bouncing “You Don’t Wash”. Some UK funky from talented female Hyperdub artist Cooly G is next with the rolling “Phat Si,” but too bad the funky track only goes on for about a minute and a half before it gets mixed with one of the mix’s highlights: ”Bellion” by up-and-coming producer Ill Blu. Towards the middle of the set he moves into catchy dancehall from Grievous Angel and Sticky, and some township funk from Mujava. But in a twisted turn he includes some futuristic soul, digital r&b and new wave from Morgan Zarate, Rozzi Daime and J*Davey. It might sound fresh, but it breaks up the flow, and feels out of place. He then jumps straight to “2 Much Chat” by dubstep pioneers Digital Mystikz and the hectic grime of “Stiff” by Terror Danjah. Another highlight is “Footcrab” by Headhunter’s Addison Groove alias, a catchy anthem with bouncy bass and sharp drums. Towards the end he includes the timeless “Cargo” from Maddslinky, before ending the set with The Bug & Flo Dan’s “Run”; a dark and dubbed out track from one of the pioneers of bass-heavy dance music.

Even though Kode 9’s eclectic selection has a nice build up with several strong tracks, it doesn’t feel fluid. It’s easy going and not aggressive, but there’s still too many mood shifts and the mixing could’ve been smoother. The soulful tracks in the middle do not blend in with rest of the set. 31 tracks feels a bit crowded on one disc; his mix would probably be more enjoyable as a long dj set. Sometimes it sounds more like a mixtape than a mix.

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