I have to be upfront: I’ve known DJ Mark M for years, tracing our shared clubbing history back to the euphoric, hard-hitting sounds of Birmingham nights like Hype and Sundissential. This history means I come to his latest mix with a high degree of emotional investment—and maybe a dose of inherent bias. But after listening (and re-listening, as the mix demands), I can confidently say this isn’t just nostalgia; this is a masterclass in contemporary evolution.
The Full Listen (A Candid Appreciation)
Mark M has always been a student of the sound, but this latest offering proves he hasn’t just preserved the past; he’s built a fantastic future on top of it.
That said, if I’m going to be hyper-critical—and I always am with artists I respect—the initial twenty minutes are the weakest link. While technically solid and full of great patches, the journey feels a little too “same-same,” holding back when the energy wants to surge.
But, stick with it. Because around the 35-minute mark, something clicks. The transition into the mid-section is seamless, confident, and takes the listener exactly where they need to be. From this point on, the mix is pure brilliance. Mark M channels the aggressive foundation of the hard house era, but filters it through a modern lens of driving techno and layered house. The technical mixing is flawless, the track selection is inspired, and the way he builds tension and releases it showcases a DJ who truly understands peak-time emotional delivery. This is the sound of a veteran moving forward, and it’s essential listening.