This fifth edition of the Real Ibiza series is truly chilled, featuring the laziest beats from the far left musical side of the island.
The tracks are selected and mixed by two names synonymous with the Balearic sound, Sunday Best's Rob Da Bank and former Cafe Del Mar resident, Phil Mison.
They stay away from the obvious big chillout tracks found on so many compilations, and explore music from lesser known, more underground artists. The result is a compilation that is unique, full of pleasant surprises, and captures a classy, rather than cheesy, view of Ibiza.
The album displays a range of ambient moods and rich textures, all of which perfectly reflect the laid back vibe associated with the White Island. As might be expected, there are plenty of Latin rhythms.
A sultry female vocal wafts over the gentlest of beats and easy Spanish guitar on Bluebeat's 'Dans Le Soleil'. Bazeado's 'Maria' is a rich combination of guitars and Latin vocals and the bossa-nova influenced beats on Nemo's 'Darkest Day' transport the listener straight to sunny Spanish shores.
Many of the tracks seem to almost mirror the motion of the sea. The vocals do just that on Yonderboi's vibe-laden 'Pabadam', where dulcet tones mingle with luxuriant instrumentation.
Royksopp's beautiful 'In Space' positively shimmers with a background of lilting strings and waves of wind chimes. Fenomenon's sun-washed 'Pacific Memories' layers chilled beats over sounds of the sea, punctuated by a soaring vocal, and the cries of seagulls appear to float through Ez A Divat's 'Moonsong'.
Jazzy lounge influences are evident throughout.
A muted trumpet leads a double bass, complemented by some whispered pillow talk, on Sven Van Hees' 'Matrass Mambo', and Lazyboy's 'Don't Fret George' stretches out into leftfield jazz. There's the wonderful Aqua Bassino's 'A Mellow Key', and a very sexy remix of Vangelis' 'Love Theme' from Bladerunner.
Only on Dubtribe Sound System's 'Do It Now', with it's relaxed house groove and vocals set against a velvety guitar line, do they venture into anything even slightly uptempo. This is soothing music for those inclined to recline.
'The Sun Lounge' is the perfect antidote to the Ibiza Uncovered overdose.
