DJ Sprinkles & Hardrock Striker Skylax House Explosion 1 Under The Garage Skylax Records | The Electro Review

DJ Sprinkles & Hardrock Striker
Skylax House Explosion 1
Under The Garage
Skylax Records
TBR: 4th June


Can you believe it's been twenty years since Skylax Records set sail for musical worlds of electronic sound dominion? For those who have been keeping up with the scene for all that time it may seem like a stone's throw away now, however a lot has happened in that time. Not only concerning the artists themselves, but also the available technology on offer as well, with more reachable kit finding its way into the hands of those without a NASA style budget.


Marking the score is an exclusive vinyl only release of a set of records made especially for this anniversary. Under The Garage is the first of such releases. The three EP set contains material collated by DJ Sprinkles and Hardrock Striker over the years, previously confined to private listening only. Opening the vault for us fans to explore shows that times have changed and the world of Skylax Records is a powerful entity on the scene. Now we get to hear brand new sounds and appreciate some of the foundation elements within this house label.


D Move takes the first number with a track called Outer Rim 64. It enters with a breathy tone which is punctured by a digi-tribal drum beat. The far away quality of the music allows it to circulate in the air around me for a brief moment before the drum and cymbal track draws a line right down the middle. Spacey whistles drag down from the top side and poke, like lights in darkened spaces, around in swirling manoeuvres of pitch. A break down gives way to an echo landscape of interesting drums and bass which clang and pump like a woodwork machine. Fascinating effects and sounds are crafted into the mix, which gives the track an ear pricking sensation which truly serves to make it sound good.


Next up is a higher party energy, funky vocal and drums combine over a lush keyboard backdrop. Layers of voice make a comfortable resting place and danceable drums allow for shaking or moving around. Jason Grove and Merwyn Sanders present Deep In Your Heart, and it asks if we're feeling free? I think so. How about you? State of mind and philosophical point alongside really great summer time tunes, top drawer material. Pushes on jazzy chords keep the music afloat and playful mixes on vocal and drum fly like kites in an open breezy sky.


An Expresso's A Club Called The Garage makes track number three. A steady beat replaces the sunshine, it's wholesome and tonal. Soon a new tone matches it, adding more depth to the forming beat. Bass melody snakes in underneath and drums with keyboard finish the recipe in another funky but more underground feeling serving. Late bar sensation with suited males chatting to each other fills the atmosphere during a small break, and soon after they're joined by a party of more upbeat and colourfully dressed people of all shapes and sizes. Digital bass melodies and clappy drums make a great combination, with the addition of the sonics and keyboard flurries, the music sits excellently on the ears.


The final mix begins with a really high energy kick and hat beat which is almost irresistible to move to. Wobbly keys surf in on waves of drum bashing which work hard to not overpower the rest of the sounds. Proficient percussive tunes reverberate from the walls and give the spinal column of looped one twos a coat and shoes. Some vocal is put on the top like a serving of garnish, and they're neatly mixed up with various singers whose nuances and qualities are harnessed through the power of the sample. Signal ST with Bongo Trax ends this remarkable release on an incredibly morish high.


This is a brilliant EP and for those serious enough to invest in limited edition commemorative vinyl from well respected electronic music labels, it's a nod and a wink from those in the know that this three set must be in your collection. If number one is anything to go by, and it usually is, the other stuff is going to progress and compliment something of real quality.  

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