- The Shevchenko label has thus far been a strictly Ukrainian affair, its first three EPs coming from sometime Firecracker producer Vakula. Now Linkwood confirms the connection between the labels, though this EP puts an end to the parade of stern Slavic faces stamped on Vakula's centre labels, opting instead for a colourful tribute to Kazimir Malevich's Suprematist movement. So far, so considered.
Luckily the music is as well-thought out as the presentation, at least on the A-side. Though the shops have two track titles listed, it's difficult to approach this as anything but two variations on the same theme. The first does its best to cast some hazy summer brightness into the dark Edinburgh winter. The optimism is tempered a little on the second, but the obvious reference point for both is Pépé Bradock in one of his romantic moods, the title track's repeating orchestral flourish about as close to "Deep Burnt" as you can get (which of course is still nowhere near).
It's a shame then that "Ignorance Is Bliss" on the B-side is so disappointing. But what do you expect when the bassline, piano chords and strings all sound out of tune with each other, only rarely coalescing into something you could call at all memorable? It's a melodic weakness shared by much contemporary "soulful/underground" house music, having all the right parts but ultimately sounding like a dog's breakfast. Heed the track name and stick to the A-side.
Tracklist A1 Secret Value
A2 Between Me & You
B Ignorance Is Bliss