(Erase Records)

Erase Records can be seen as one of the ever increasing number of breaks labels getting their feet off the ground. This is their second release with their first (Degrees of Freedom – E.G.Intensity) giving them more than a healthy establishment in a cut-throat business. This release sees the experienced and widely respected artist known as Etostone divulge into some fairly deep relentless breaks tracks. Etostone is not a new-comer to the scene and traces his production roots back to the early 90’s where the dark screen of DOS ruled and Adlib Composer, Scream Tracker and Fast Tracker were some of the finest production programs known to man. Etostone’s first taste of exposure started with his first release on peoplesound.com in 2000. His track “Free of Feelings” gathered pace and today now boasts over 15000 downloads.

On this latest release both tracks have a sturdy yet robust base which the tracks weave themselves around. “Waiting For You” starts off with a nice haunting vocal snippet which leads into a clean but heavy introduction. Organs fly as a familiar siren whistles past creating an evenly balanced playing field for the track to lead. Snares and Kicks are thrown around with ease forming an original score which is not often heard in today’s familiar one pattern break beats. The vocal is continually cast out but without producing repetition. The break hits and a dirty snare is all that can be felt through a background of throbbing synths. A strong track which is the more classical of the two.

“Pain” is a piece which stands firm through a hip hop styled vocal backed up by very large drums with some serious synth punches. Don’t let the vocal sample put you off this track as it still maintains a very hard-line that wouldn’t be out of place in a late night set. The breakdown is where all the sounds become one to craft an unforgiving finish to a class track. Maintaining its originality the piece uses the vocal to perfection which compliments its earthy feel and shadowy string base leaving you searching for more.

Erase Records stands out in a tired crowd willing to experiment and try something new. In the end it has paid off and a superb release is the result. Expect great things from this label with an upcoming release from Ben Camp which looks strong and full of flavour.