Both these records have their strengths, but it is the Pilas 12” generates the most interest. The Auxon EP has its merits, but the style is somewhat tired; especially after the avalanche of cosmic disco over the past few years. Nevertheless, the execution is good.
As the Summer months finally take hold a new European label has arrived. I say European as Shaddock Records founders live across Europe in Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Vienna. It aims to release “quality soulful and floor-focused music.” Ok, a decent remit and the first release by new artist Hitsafe served up some confused house with a solid remix by Tin Man. On the back of this Shaddock have two releases ready for the shelves.
Pilas are frontrunners with their first EP in some years, Burros. The title track is a quite an unsettling piece of house. This uneasiness is amplified by dark samples and the jittering undercurrents. Kassem Mosse, of Workshop fame, is drafted in on remix duty and adds his own subtle house tones to the original. The track has a floor feel to it, with quite a trendy and polished aspect. The flip maintains the samples of the A-Side, but the club orientation has taken hold. The track has a nice piano melody and a steady floor feel throughout. “Monologue,” the finale, has a much more low key feel. The beats are vintage house, and once again samples are employed. But this is a much more deeper experience than its predecessor, echoing “Burros” but with a headphone and armchair outlook.
Fresh from the pressing plant is Auxon with Hon-Ken. This debut artist pours forth with the arpeggiator, rippling cosmic disco notes over steady beats with sporadic computer lyrics. The track, featured as a vocal and instrumental version, has some similarities to the likes of Lindstrom or Prins Thomas but has elements of house close by. Lopaz & Zarook get hold of the track for a remix on the flip and strip it right down. Minimal pads replace the rumbling arpeggios with quite a deep and dubby piece being the result. Liquid Pegasus also gives “Hon-Ken” the make over treatment, this time holding onto the cosmic disco currents but running down the BPM to create a low impact mirrorball piece.
It’s no easy feat to start a record label. It takes time, money and a knowledge of the sound you want to release. These two releases are curious bedfellows, as they feel like they’ve come from two different labels. The first, a dark piece of modern house with some attempt to catch a DJ’s attention. The second harking back to the heyday of cosmic disco. Both these records have their strengths, but it is the Pilas 12” generates the most interest. The Auxon EP has its merits, but the style is somewhat tired; especially after the avalanche of cosmic disco over the past few years. Nevertheless, the execution is good. The Pilas record is clever and is willing to step into the darker regions of house. From these first outings, Hitsafe included, Shaddock has explored a spread of genres, a bold move for a fledgling label but one which looks like it might pay off.
Both releases are out now on Shaddock.
SHK02: Pilas – Burros by Shaddock Records
SHK03: Auxon – Hon-Ken by Shaddock Records
