DJ DB

New York-based DJ DB has always known how to throw a good party. Years after his first events (notably the groundbreaking, historic NASA parties), the veteran electronic music persona is still breathing new life into the city with his monthly Secret Art of Science nights. A cofounder of the pioneering drum ‘n’ bass label, Breakbeat Science, the Brit transplant has long been a forerunner of the genre stateside. On this mix, a followup to a 2001 volume, DB focuses on the lighter side of the genre. It’s a look forward for d’n’b, moving you from the inside rather than beating you from the outside.

Somewhat surprising is that, of the disc’s 16 tracks, the first nine pieces were created more than 10 years ago. But they still sound original and fresh. Included in this half are classics such as Alex Reece’s “Pulp Fiction” and Omni Trio’s “Soul of Darkness.” The second seven songs are ultracurrent 2007 creations such as High Contrast’s “Sleepless” and two selections from DB’s own project, Ror-shak: “Lisa’s Song” and “Fate or Faith.” This part of the mix follows the same idea but with softer, melodic drum ‘n’ bass that is just as pleasant to listen to outside a club as it is on the dance floor.