Zar - JHB - CPT (2 CD)

ZAR Sushi Mix is probably the most unexpected release of the year so far. I mean, since when is Kenny Kunene a DJ? I guess the idea of a branded compilation shouldn¿¿t be that much of a surprise, but the idea of the Sushi King actually sitting in a studio mixing up an album is just a little too incongruous to comprehend.

That aside, the double disc release does feature some quality local productions that you probably won¿¿t hear on any other release very soon, for which it must be given some brownie points, one of the standouts among them being Ecstasy by Lil Soul. The guys at Baainar feature a few times, as do the Infinite Boys and DJ Morisky. Interspersed among these home brewed jams are some notable imports like Walk in Paris by Osunlade and Glory by Halo ft. Maiya (Abicah Soul Remix).

The problem with this album, as albums go, is that it doesn¿¿t seem to be aimed at any audience in particular, ironic considering how strong the ZAR brand is otherwise; there¿¿s no discernible flow to the tracks and neither of the discs has any defining or counter-balancing characteristics (local vs. int., home vs. away). So despite notable inclusions of some quality tunes it is ultimately a poorly put together album.