After the huge success of Helix Discs’ third record, which sold out in record time, the London-based label returns with their fourth outing, and this one is truly from the vaults. Taken from the archives of tech house instigator Harold Heeath, the “Cheaper Gear Pt 1” was produced circa 2002-2006 and features four original tracks that were somehow never released.
First of all, we take aim at A1 track “Raw Deal “, and straight off, it defies logic that A) this was made twenty-something years ago, and B) it was never released. The choppy sampling gives a nicely syncopated rhythm, and once all the percussion elements are stitched together, a meaty groove appears. The deep paddy bassline really toughens up the track too, but the addition of the lighter musical elements balances the action out.
Side A is completed by “House Things”, a much more upbeat, dreamy affair (in the interim) that soon transforms into a more peak-time groover by way of the rebounding acidic bassline.
Flipping over, Harold strips things back considerably to a much more functional, bleepy tool on “Runaway”. Made for mixing, the lead-out gives all the unique percussive elements needed for an otherworldly transition that this era of tech house is so well suited to. It is not until later in the track that the true mysterious nature of the track reveals itself.
Rounding out yet another wicked release from Helix Discs and Harold Heath is “What You Gona Do”, and this is a more laidback, slinky route. Druggy vocals reverb and repeat into oblivion as sound washes and lush pads cascade all around.
You can get your hands on HLX004 via KMA60 and Juno.
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