RA Reviews: John Shima ‎- Discreet on Exalt Records (Single)

Emotional techno from an underappreciated artist.

John Shima, like many producers whose music mostly lands on vinyl-only records, is massively underappreciated. He makes some of the best tracks around, specialising in that hazy zone where deep techno, house and electro intersect. His music is rich and emotional, microworlds of bleeps, pads and sci-fi chords that ooze both melancholy and hope, and would appeal to just about anyone into house and techno. Tracks like "Confide" and "Implant," among the dozens of touching groovers Shima has released on low-key labels over the past few years, are exceptional, the sound of a gifted producer at one with his machines. But while Shima's profile is growing (he recently played live at Concrete) he remains relatively unknown.

That probably won't change with Discreet but it's another strong release. The title tune, which comes with a remix from Future Beat Alliance, is classic Shima, an introspective blend of bleeps and chords tied to a simple 4/4 pump. Its format, a green vinyl-only 7-inch, means that most DJs won't bring it to the club, so unless you're one of the 250 people who buy the wax, YouTube will be the only place to hear it. The remix is more expansive, beefing up the melody while adding on layers of pads and synth fizzle. In doing so it loses Shima's minimalist charm, which is the main reason to buy this record anyway. He released three great solo records in 2017, so look out for others this year.