It's been a very busy year for the Shogun Audio camp and so now bringing a fresh pair of legs to the table is the formidable Icicle who drops his first solo release on the label. The Cold Fear EP is one to strike exactly into all those dare to listen, so be warned, this one's uber-deadly!
Kicking off the carnage is Icicle's 'Cause with its lone kick drum intro, scattered bleep riff and an eerie dropout of warped bas tones to build the tension perfectly. Then in come the drums and we're off with the bass switching to an undulating pulse to blow clubs to bits! Watch out! Moving on and the temperature drops even further for the title track 'Cold Fear'; a deep and menacing excursion into the twisted mind of Icicle who digs down low as ever to bring some massive bassline business. Stripped down breaks with old-skool edits flow with a disturbingly beautiful lead line to round off disc one nicely.
Flipping onto vinyl two and we welcome what many would see to be a dream collaboration, for joining him in the studio are the mighty Noisia. The result is 'Driftwood'. a sub zero-roller that was one of the highlights of Friction's Assassin Mix CD. Never failing to move a dance floor this one is simply super-sick with it' endlessly bouncing b-line and tough drums to make you wince. 'Time' is the final track and again its chilling vibes continue the theme from the off. Spooked-out pads and a simple two-step break soon make way for a stomping sub-laden bass riff that'll have you cowering in the corner begging for it to stop. Only thing is when it does you'll be rewinding it ready to do it all over again!
L A B E L BACKGROUND
Since its inception in 2004 Shogun Audio has gone on to become one of the most essential labels in dance music today. Driven by it’s founders Friction and production partner K-Tee the Shogun brand has developed in such a way that it is now an all-encompassing drum and bass juggernaut releasing anything from the deep and minimal sounds of Icicle to the dirty tech grooves of Break and the tear-out party anthems of Spor and indeed Friction & K-Tee themselves.
Artists to have released music through Shogun include not only their exclusive signings of Alix Perez and Icicle but also the likes of Jonny L, Break, Marcus Intalex, Spectrasoul, Noisia, Klute, Spirit and of course Friction & K-Tee. In doing so the back catalogue has become one of absolute quality in a relatively short space of time.
Aside from the superior A&R skills a major part of the success has of course come from Friction, who has become a household name in drum and bass and dance music over the past five years, and their highly successful club night at the sadly now defunct but legendary End club in London, UK. DJing regularly to thousands around the world it is his passion and ability to entertain any crowd through the broad spectrum of drum and bass that has undoubtedly added to the legions of fans who now follow the Shogun stamp wherever it treads.
2009 looks set to be its biggest year yet with the first volume of Friction’s all-new mix series ‘Assassin’ released to much critical acclaim and the forthcoming debut album from Alix Perez ‘1984’ which promises to be something special. Add to these a slew of massive singles from Spor and Break amongst others, a successful new Shogun club night in their home town of Brighton, a string of high profile fans like Goldie, Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Grooverider and there’s no question that only exciting successful times lay ahead for Shogun Audio.
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N E X T S H O G U N EVENTS
Our return to the Lightbox was an absolute success again! Thanks to all the Shogun faithful for all their support! Keep your eyes peeled for the next Shogun Audio in London, watch this space!
CHECK OUT THE FIRST LIGHTBOX SESSION HERE:
The Shogun Audio Thursday session 29th October went really well, big thanks to all the local Shogun hardcore for making it down! Watch this space for the next Shogun Audio @ Digital, Brighton in the new year.
i have plenty of tunes to release so i fought i will make an album for the summer time or maybe sooner i will keep you informed.
in the mean while have a listen to REMIST REMIX will be out on 6th june on all dowload sites.
also check out foot steps which will be dropping down on my album ready for summer.
gonna also start up a networking/radio/download site for you broadcast yaself and actually make a bit of money if people hooseto download your tracks. i will keep people informed when that happens.
so if you want me to listen to your tunes send me a MSG or ADD