As per sleeve notes, "Reduced", "Re-interpreted", and "Re-constructed", Richie Hawtin sets the mission statement and consequent tone for another DJ mix excursion on DE9: Closer to the Edit. Indeed as with his ever evolving and touring Decks EFX & 909 moniker, Closer to the Edit takes another look at how the "mix" format can be translated and adapted by the DJ that extends beyond simply mixing the required number of tracks together beat for beat. So Hawtin's retort to the "by numbers" compilation market is a microscopic slicing and severing of over a hundred original tracks into bare components that are rebuilt into 70 tracks over 53 minutes. However intense this sounds, baring the hallmark of Hawtin's atom-splitting attention to detail, the whole represents a fluid journey through the peaks and troughs of the almost technically perfect night out. Techno's underground cognoscenti are included with Rhythm & Sound, Process, Nick Rapaccioli and Baby Ford all manipulated to form the backbone of each track. This is a forward-thinking compilation that not only defends the corner of those who are open to improvisation, but promotes the notion that music in its original form, through the embracing of technology, can become a different yet still identifiable body, with new meaning, tone and accent. It's impeccable. --Found Sounds