My experience with Ministry Of Sound compilations over the last few years has been a mixed one at best. Double CD’s that have as a rule been somewhat hit and miss in terms of content. After all these days it seems you can find an advert proclaiming offerings of the ultimate Ibiza compilations in-between any set of adverts. Most of the time compilations offer tired retreads of classic tunes, the sounds might be classic material but just how many times do you need to own them and on how many mixes. Still the promo for Judgement Sundays mixed by Judge Jules sounded more than a little impressive. If you find yourself unable to actually get to the white isle this summer at least you can experience the sounds at home.

For the dedicated clubber a lot of this material might be familiar. It’s a bright and decidedly well dressed compilation. Broad synth washes and gleaming chunky stabs mixed with slightly tougher beats. The “hard and funky sound of Ibiza 2006” is a more than apt description. Chart friendly cuts surface on the compilation in the form of Supermode’s Bronski Beat reworking of Tell Me Why. And of course Tocadisco’s remix of Walking Away by The Egg, which is currently being hammered into the consciousness courtesy of a certain robot clad Citroen advert.

The mix is good (rather than flat out stunning) but it manages well enough with the material on hand and the content manages to carry the compilation well for the most part. Alas there is the odd stinker, the main culprit for me being the Robbie Rivera re cut of Bizarre Love Triangle which for my money stinks.

The second disc kicks off admirably with Team SR’s Leaving London, an ethereal mix of sweeping synths, piano and vocals with a gently cantering bass line underpinning the track. It’s a vivid opener, by the time you are three tracks in things are pitching towards the more dramatic though (Abel Ramos, Electro Fun) and you are back in harder territory which rarely lets go, the beats hold throughout and the tunes froth with some lovely dramatic builds (try Fabio Stein’s, Tran 4 for instance).

As a whole this is one for the more dedicated house head. A decent collection of some good contemporary material that a non DJ but enthusiastic listener might struggle to pick up elsewhere. Those expecting the inclusion of the likes of Insomnia and its ilk would be better suited looking elsewhere, for me though it proved a timely re education and I enjoyed being brought up to date as a result.