(Erase Records)

Erase Records has just gotten its feet off the ground and is about to circulate their 4th release by the now familiar name of Etostone. This is the second release from Etostone on this label, who already has a lot to live up to, even though he is well established in the industry. This second release from him shows this experience with two very well paced breaks tracks which send out some very positive vibrations.

As mentioned in the previous Etostone review, ‘Etostone is no new-comer to the scene and traces his production roots back to the early 90’s in the dark times of DOS coupled with Adlib Composer, Scream Tracker and Fast Tracker which were some of the finest production programs known to man at the time. 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 solid foundations which allow for relentless pounding into exotic locations. “So Good” starts off with a stimulating female vocal leading into tight padding and then onto some tough drum programming. As the bass line bruises the vocal snippet continues with some relentless stabs piercing the silence barrier. Snares and Kicks are thrown around with ease forming an original drumming score coupled with original synths and a bass line that make this track weep for the dance floor. The vocal is continually let fly with more than interesting results 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 a great example of what an A-side should sound like.

“Polio Sose” is an off the wall piece that really brings out some originality with hard strumming breaks and nice quick vocal samples taking it back to the older discipline. This funking track sways around you dipping and dappling anywhere and everywhere. Short, snappy vocal stutters take it into the breakdown where a familiar voice is heard, only now it’s time to feel it against the kick bare alongside the bass with a very strong result. The breakdown characterises this track and allows it to flow with a controlled feel not letting you drift to far off the mark. An interesting track name for an interesting track which is definitely a keeper, quirky funk coupled with deep elements make this a very strong track.

Overall these two pieces from Etostone breathe new light to an ever increasing number of average breaks tracks. 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 both Degrees of Freedom with a Tim Fretwell remix and a Jono Fernandez release which looks strong and full of flavour.