- A new label called "Spargel Trax." It could only be the work of the asparagus-revering Germans, right? Nope. According to Juno Plus, it's actually a sub-label of London's Don't Be Afraid, so named because the first day of the British asparagus harvest coincides with Record Store Day. For this first of two 12-inches appearing on the same day, all four artists appear under asparagus-punning pseudonyms, delivering party-time house with names like "Basel Piss Test." The first of these, "Love Tips," is a gritty bit of acid house which recalls Uncanny Valley's latest attempts at the same. The cards are played closer to the chest than usual, however. It's a third of the way into the proceedings before the track's whirling-but-muted bells and 808 claps make room for a burbling 303. The trick revealed, things get real busy, with extra melodic stabs crammed in wherever they'll fit.
Next up is Spargel-Tarzan, with the more percussive "Sauce Hollandaise." Perhaps it's just the word Tarzan, or the rhythm sticks and primate-like yelps, but it seems as if there's a slight jungle vibe to begin with. The second half is home for bongos and brief grabs of honky-tonk piano, but all that sustains it until then is the de-tuned jangles of a triangle, or something else made of metal.
"Basel Piss Test" wouldn't sound astray on Dirtybird; it's got that quirky-cheeky-party feel that Claude Von Stroke's label seems to nail so often. The "party" bit comes about via brisk, scuffing hi-hats and plastic snares, the latter of which barely cease raining down. The quirk, meanwhile, is a shrill wailing noise. Like the circus bells in Robert Armani's 1990 track of the same name, this particular element walks a fine line between being catchy and outright irritating, but more or less falls on the good side.
Lily's "Dollen Haze" closes out the record with charm. It feels like someone bumbling through a forest of synths, and setting off a sound with every bump. There are strange metallic clanks, scraping drums and a gentle loping bassline, all of which are shrouded with sustained, eerie tones. The inherent sense of randomness is a pleasant contrast to the more linear structures most of us are probably used to.
Tracklist A1 Herbaceous - Love Tips
A2 Spargel-Tarzan - Sauce Hollandaise
B1 Slazenger's People - Basel Piss Test
B2 Lily - Dollen Haze