- Shed's house project gets a Balearic makeover.
- In the mind-bogglingly prolific world of René Pawlowitz (AKA Shed), Head High 12-inches are relatively few and far between. The German artist's side project has his highest hit rate and focuses on his simplest formula (classic house music). Every EP is essential, and Break Away is no different. The title track is pure bliss, floating on a cloud of an ascending chord progression with dreamy diva vocals and groovy snare work. The kick drum doesn't even hit until around four minutes in, and even on the second drop, it's still more of a heartbeat than the usual Shed thwack. The focus is all on that fluffy lead melody, which is almost Balearic by Pawlowitz standards, keeping the track at a tantric trot. There's no instant gratification, only bliss.
The flipside is back to business as usual, at least with "Push It." This one features Pawlowitz's classic push-and-shove drum programming, a chopped vocal and a chord progression that sounds like Cajmere on steroids. When it really gets going, it's a bulldozer of a house tune. That leaves "Chamber No. 6," which leans more techno. Built around a clip of a breakbeat, it harkens back to The Traveller with another killer chord progression somewhere between sunset and sci-fi. It's the kind of thing both Ben Klock and DJ Pete could rinse. With its emphasis on melody and texture over kick drum largesse, Break Away is an intriguing turn for Head High that brings Pawlowitz's headier tendencies to the fore.
Tracklist01. Break Away
02. Push It!
03. Chamber No. 6