Let’s face it, “chill-out” compilations are becoming a bit of a cliché. Every label and their A & R’s momma is putting one out. Lounge music, downtempo, chill-out, whatever you want to call it, the genres and respective collections are often indistinguishable from each other, and while pleasant enough no doubt, now that downtempo is coffee table cool, its become harder to continue to be inspiring.

Om Records for their part are amongst the pioneers of lounge music. Their seminal Om Lounge compilation series began back in 1998 and has been a mainstay in the scene, each one bringing forth original and sublime gems. If my memory serves me correctly there was rumor of Om 7 being the last one in the series, but in any case, the original purveyors have pushed on and continue to show themselves to be at the forefront of the genre. Om Lounge 9 features series stalwarts Jazzanova, Beanfield and J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science, along with newcomers The Rebirth, Harlem Zip code and Niko.

Although this installment is perhaps not as consistent as others, Om score points for attempting to diversify the genre with offerings that are slightly atypical such as Colette’s (formerly known as DJ Colette) “Smile For Me” which is apparently preparing the world for her debut as an artist and vocalist, rather than simply a DJ that sings while she’s spinning. A far cry from the funky, bumpin’ house she is known for, “Smile For Me” is a languid, acoustic-flavored track. Similarly stripped down is Kaskade’s chill-out version of “Steppin’ Out” which plays to its signature acoustic guitar riff.

Stand out tracks include The Rebirth’s funk-fuelled “This Journey In”, and the sultry soul of both Niko’s “Siren” and Harlem Zip Code’ “Where Will You Go.” The weakest link on the collection is Amp Fiddler’s lyrically simplistic “I Believe In You” given an under-par remix by the usually outstanding Bugz in the Attic crew.

Overall Om Lounge 9 is perhaps not the same must-have purchase in comparison to previous installments, but when faced with the deluge of lounge compilations on the shelves, Om Lounge is a name you can always trust.