First things first: Booka Shade, the Berlin-based electronic duo comprised of long time friends Arno Kammermeier and Walter Merziger, are not DJs. Yes, they are successful and seminal producers, musicians, remixers and label bosses and, as such, have an intimate knowledge of the dancefloor and the differing tools required in a DJ's arsenal, but Jeff Mills or Richie Hawtin they are not. Now if all this sounds rather a bizarre way to introduce a DJ mix album, it�s at this point that we'd like to remind you that this DJ Kicks is no run-of-the-mill DJ mix album. Indeed, Booka Shade's first foray into this arena is that rare beast in that it manages to be both experimental and exciting; decadent and dirty and timely and timeless. In calling upon all of their production nous and savvy, Arno and Walter have crafted a mix that ranks alongside any of DJ-Kicks previous 28 seminal releases. So, rather than documenting the latest set of club tunes, Booka Shade's mix works from a different set of rules. There's something of a nod to the music that inspired Arno and Walter back in the day and there�s exclusive tracks that haven't even seen the light of day yet. And this, as Arno and Walter explain, is then combined with a certain flair that is all Booka Shade. Across the album's magnetic 22 tracks, the mix follows a distinctive rhythm. It flows, it goes down side roads, it wanders and it surges forward, and the view is quite breathtaking. Influenced by the vast electronic heritage of their adopted home city, there's a brooding dynamism at its heart. Sometimes minimal in its scope, it's nonetheless a warm and joyous listen, mirroring the all encompassing sound of Booka Shade itself.