Premiere: B1 – Harry Wills – Big in the Backtime [SHR010]

Sheffield outfit Seven Hills celebrate their 10th vinyl release with a killer EP, split between Uruguayan artist Molen and household name Harry Wills, featuring some real bunker busters.

Seven Hills has curated a cool collection of sounds across the many sides of vinyl they have released in total, featuring some fresh beats from Sub-ann, AG & Kompo, Adam Pitts and Lisene, as well as some retrospective releases and represses from the likes of Rockers Hi-Fi, Ron’s Mobile Disco, Nation of Noise and more. This has afforded an eclectic array of influences and genres contained within as they span dub techno, psychedelia, breaks, house and more over a number of years – some seriously choice cuts.

This next EP is no exception as Harry Wills’ “Big in the Backtime” showcases a masterclass in retrospective production as Harry expertly handles a host of original stylings in terms of FX and synthesis as he flexes his studio prowess. Winding leads pluck away as a host of modulating sounds develop in tandem with classic drum shots as tension builds. This all culminates in a healthy groove oozing through in the main section as concise percussion programming goes straight to your toes.

“Scape” provides a definitive end to the EP as he delivers a melancholic bout of thermonuclear energy that is equal parts mesmerising and driving. A bed of pads and blips meander and evolve as the bassline lifts and twists, paving the way for an atomic drop that will be sure to blow more than a few minds.

Molen kicks off the A-side with “Mutual”, some weapons-grade material that is ready to rock it. With definite nods to the old school, this one comes in fat with nice acid lines bubbling through over tight-knit grooves. An all-round robust slice of tech house that journeys deep with a nice apocalyptic touch.

“Station” rounds out the A-side with a tasty, dubbed-out and steppy number that is consistent in its dystopian vision, albeit a more relaxed meditation on that kind of thinking. A nice, energising bit that would bring back the bump at a lengthy after-hours do. 

You can get your hands on SHR010 via the label’s Bandcamp page.

More on Seven Hills Records
Instagram | Bandcamp | SoundCloud | Facebook

More on Harry Wills
Instagram | Bandcamp

More on Molen
SoundCloud