XLR8R has been following the exploits of Azari & III for quite some time. Back in the summer of 2010, we did an in-depth feature on the elusive outfit, and in the months and years that followed, we’ve seen the Toronto-based group turn out a solid array of singles, videos, and even a self-titled debut full-length, all without thrusting themselves completely into the spotlight. Even now, as the album is being reissued today—surprisingly enough, via the Dim Mak imprint—and the group is set to embark on a large-scale North American tour put together by Barcelona’s Sónar festival, the popularity of Azari & III can largely be traced back to one thing: the music. Effectively mining the best bits of late-’80s/early-’90s house and techno and brilliantly incorporating live, attitude-laden vocals into the mix, Azari & III’s output may lean retro, but it remains thrilling all the same—as does the prospect of the group putting together an exclusive mix for the XLR8R podcast series. Clocking in at more than 100 minutes in length, it’s one of the longest podcasts we’ve ever presented, but the tunes are of a high enough quality that we’re guessing few people are likely to complain. Assembled by Azari & III’s two producers, Dinamo Azari and Alixander III, the mix finds the two men stringing together a potent session of booming house and techno. Vintage drum sounds and classic synth tones may pepper the proceedings, but most of the tracks here are new—this is not an exercise in nostalgia. Nevertheless, it is rather fun, as Azari & III knows how to serve up music that’s appropriate for big rooms without resorting to tacky gimmickry. In truth, this podcast is something XLR8R has been chasing for years—luckily, it appears to have been worth the wait.

01 Gingy & III “Frank $s” (Idol Hanse)
02 Fred Hush & Noseda “A Joke That Kills” (Palm Beach)
03 Groove Armada “Oh Tweak to Me” (Hypercolour)
04 Nina Kraviz “Show Me Your Time” (Rekids)
05 Mutant Beat Dance “Urban Dust” (L.I.E.S.)
06 Alden Tyrell “Tntus” (Clone Basement Series)
07 Plastikman “Slinky” (M_nus)
08 Amy B & Diamond Lights “Move On (Azari & III Remix)” (Yes Yes)
09 Andy Martin “Telekinesis” (Redukt)
10 Tuff City Kids “Begger” (Unterton)
11 Svengalisghost “Marathon” (L.I.E.S.)
12 Joe Farr “You Got Some Front” (Turbo)
13 Jaded Kid “The Postman” (Passion)
14 Gingy “Swirlie” (3024)
15 Nina Kraviz “Show Me Your Time” (Rekids)
16 Azari & III “Manhooker (Locked Groove’s Escape to NYC Remix)” (Turbo)
17 Azari & III “Hungry for the Power (Guy Gerber Wild Orchid Mix)” (Loose Lips)
18 Doctor Pump “Hypno Bass” (Montefeltro)
19 Raiders Of The Lost Arp “Stealing My Love (Photonz’ LXF Remix)” (Snuff Trax)
20 Unknown “Unknown”
21 Legowelt “Sark Island Acid” (L.I.E.S.)
22 The Other People Place “Let Me Be Me” (Warp)
23 Chris & Cosey “Walking Through Heaven” (Conspiracy International)

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