Seb Fontaine - Prototype (CD)

All Music Guide

If you're wondering why Seb Fontaine got his own series of Global Underground albums while other superstar DJs like Sasha and Paul Oakenfold only get the occasional volume, this first entry in the Prototype series should make the reason apparent. Fontaine is the rare DJ that can take immensely popular and quite possibly played-out tracks like ATB's "9PM (Till I Come)" or Tilt's "I Dream" and make them sound brand new again. He does so with his track sequencing. Yes, there are many well-known tracks here -- in addition to the two aforementioned tracks, DJ Dan's "Zipper Track" and Atlantis' "Fiji" are two others -- but Fontaine slides these tracks into a mix that is otherwise quite eclectic and daring. Throughout the mix he never veers too far from hard-hitting progressive tracks that are incredibly deep and dark. In fact, the mix feels downright relentless, particularly when the second set approaches its intense conclusion, beginning with "I Dream" and peaking with "Fiji." Later volumes... would feel little more fresh than this first one, but Fontaine sets an impressive precedent for himself here, proving why he was one of the most talked-about British DJs of the late '90s. - Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide Read more Less