Shiloh - Floppy Discs - January 2007

Shiloh's latest Floppy Discs mix seems to indicate that the boys are continuing to depart from their more traditional sound. Here's a very partial tracklist (compiled by yours truly):

1. ID
2. ID
3. ID
4. Tiga - Louder Than A Bomb (Unknown Remix)
   
5. ID
6. ID
7. ID
   
8. Alucode - What Level (Micah's Between The Lines Remix) [Ruhnsong]
9. Motion 040 - Timmy's Turn [Get Physical Music]
10. ID
11. Dousk - Anagram (Chris Nemmo Remix) [Klik]
12. ID

Among their usual fare of electro house, Shiloh seem to be embracing elements of hip hop and rock (!). Track 1 and 5 are both jolting concoctions displaying elements of rock, glitch, and hip hop. The mystery mix of "Louder Than A Bomb" by Tiga really caught my ear. Although the vocal is a bit trite, the music used underneath is really quite interesting. It sounds like it was sampled from an R'n'B track produced in the early 90s. The rest of the mix, save for the closing track, seems to fall more squarely into the tech-house framework. Of course, Micah's remix of "What Level" is superb, and track 3 is quite good as well. It'll be interesting to see how Shiloh's compilation turns out given their more recent offerings.

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?cyj0ltnzww5

Review: Serge Devant vs. Filo & Peri - Triple Crown

Label: Baroque Records [BARQ066]

Release Date: January, 2007
Rating: 6/10

Baroque's first release of 2007 sees Russian producer Serge Devant team up with US trance producers Filo & Pero to deliver the storming "Triple Crown." The original is an energetic prog/electro hybrid that will no doubt get a dance floor movin' with its huge, Pryda-esque bass riff, but in general comes across as slightly derivative (Montero) and a touch hokey for my taste. Shiloh's remix sees the Canadian duo further expanding their sound, this time with some over-the-top electro as well as (gasp) country/western. This may sound awful on paper, but the result is actually surprisingly appealing. Recommended if you're still digging those big, electro-bass anthems that were all the rage in '05 and '06 (Original Mix), or if you're looking for something cheeky and a little left of center (Shiloh Remix).

Press Release: Shiloh - Elements 001

"A component or constituent of a whole or one of the parts into which a whole may be resolved by analysis: Bricks and mortar are elements of every masonry wall."

This brand new series from Baroque challenges the run of the mill mix cd and puts an exciting new slant on the concept of a DJ compiled mix album. Each artist enlisted to take on the 'Elements' will compile a wish list of tracks for their album. Then be given the parts that make up each track to remix them, and form a unique & brand new package of tracks that will make up their DJ mix! This series takes the DJ / producer relationship to a new level & proves just why the whole transformation from Producer to DJ - DJ to producer, works so well.

Brothers Colin and Justin Moreh are the 2 peas that form the Shiloh pod..

"When Baroque asked us to put together this CD we were thrilled. We saw this as a great opportunity to give people an idea of what it is like to hear us live. Until recently, the type of music we played out could have a very different flavor than some of our studio productions. We see this project as a merging of these two musical avenues giving the listener a feel for our DJ sets while leaving our own personal production stamp on the tracks we've selected by remixing and re-editing the songs to really reflect what we are and have been enjoying these past months."

Sasha, Paul van dyk, Tiesto, Hernan Cattaneo, Pete Tong, Nick Warren, Dave Seaman and co have all declared themselves massive Shiloh fans, with Messers' Seaman, Van Dyk & Warren all using tracks from Shiloh on their own recent albums!

The second bonus disc provides a selection of unmixed versions of tracks featured on the album, with both originals and Shiloh’s own reinterpretations included. This will allow fans to appreciate the transformation, and also makes the tracks available to the growing number of djs who play primarily from CD.

Track list here.

Review: Shiloh - Café Del Mariachi

Label: Hope Recordings (HOPE065)
Release Date: February 19th, 2007
Rating: 10/10

The wait is finally over, as Shiloh's "Café Del Mariachi", which we originally heard as background music on Shiloh's website back in '05, has finally been released. Let me assure you: the wait was worth it. The original is quintissential Shiloh, with a huge rolling bassline topped by complex rhythmic melodies. The flip nearly steals the show. Nick Warren transforms the upbeat original into deep, growling storm of tribal rhythms coupled with a devasting bass role. After a deep intro, the remix warps into roaring finale that will drive any dancefloor into submission without exception.

Overall, a great release for Hope Recordings. With new releases due from the 16 Bit Lolitas and Oliver Moldan among others, 2007 looks to be another solid year for the Bristol-based label.

Shiloh - Elements 001

The tracklist for Shiloh's upcoming compilation on Baroque has been released:

1. Manuel Dela Mare - Genesis (The Fruit Mix)
2. Filo & Peri - Electric Funk (Lys & Gigi Mix)
3. Phatjak - So High (James Harcourt Mix)
4. Danny Armstrong - Kill The Machines / Sign Language
5. Shiloh - Lines
6. James Harcourt - Tease
7. R-Tem - MSFG (Electro Mix)
8. Filo & Peri vs. Serge Devant - Triple Crown
9. Joel Armstrong - After Later
10. Gareth Emery Presents Runaway - Outrageous
    

Every single track listed will include some sort of additional production by Shiloh be it an edit, an outright remix, or an original production all together. Having heard both "Lines" and Shiloh's remix of "Triple Crown", I can speculate what the mix will sound like, and am looking forward to hearing what promises to be an eclectic mix of forward thinking house music.

Elements 001 will be released on March 15th, 2007.

Updated 2/10/07 with tracklist corrections.

Review: Shiloh - Vice

Label: Floppy Discs [FLOPPY001]
Release Date: November 30th, 2006
Rating: 10/10

The Canadian Shiloh brothers debut their brand new imprint, Floppy Discs, with an oustanding 12" featuring some of their finest production to date backed with an out-of-this-world Chable remix on the flip. The original mix is a bottom-heavy, buzzing electronic anthem that smacks of Shiloh's production brilliance. The perfect end-of-the-night tune. Luke Chable's remix takes the track in a completely different direction with a brutal, punchy electro bassline and a huge breakdown that builds to what can only can described as melodic robot heaven. Simply brilliant stuff from both Shiloh and Chable, and a fantastic way to kick off one of the most promising new labels in the industry.

Shiloh - Vice on Floppy Discs

Shiloh has announced that their single, "Vice", will be the first release on their new imprint, Floppy Discs. The original mix was featured on Luke Chable's Addicted compilation and can also be heard on Shiloh's June 2006 Promo Mix. The flip will feature a massive remix by Luke Chable himself, and is already available to listen to on Chable's MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/lukechable). I loved the original, and the remix is quite good too. No release date has been confirmed as of yet.

Shiloh - June 2006 Promo Mix

After a brief hiatus from their usual monthly radio/promotional mix, Shiloh return to the decks in an effort to promote their recently released debut album on Baroque as well as to showcase what else they've been up to. Here's the tracklist:

1. John Tejada - The End Of It All [Forced Fiction]
2. Thomas Schumacher - Red Purple [Spiel-Zeug]
3. Thomas Schumacher - Heat It Up [Spiel-Zeug]
4. Shiloh - About Face (Furry Nipples Mix) [Baroque]
5. Chris Lake - Release (Luke Dzierzek Mix)
6. Thomas Schumacher - Inside [Spiel-Zeug]
7. Shiloh - Lines [Floppy Discs]
8. Beatman & Ludmilla - Couldn't Sleep (Shiloh Mix) [Aurium]
9. Brisker & Magitman - Eden (Shiloh Mix) [Babylon]
10. Shiloh - Marker [Floppy Discs]
11. Tracker - Swank [Trojan]
12. Shiloh - Vice [Floppy Discs]
13. Shiloh & Chable - Oz [Baroque]
    

The mix starts off strong with some interesting minimal, techy bits from John Tejada and Thomas Schumacher, but loses a bit of steam with tracks 3 and 4. Things kick into gear with Dzierzek's rocking techy remix of Chris Lake's "Release". The Moreh's drop another Schumacher production in the quirky electro fuzz of "Inside" before delving into about 45 minutes of new production and remix work from the boys themselves. While the first 30 minutes of this mix certainly isn't poor, it quite simply pales in comparison to the amazingingly innovative sounds you've yet to hear.

"Lines", a buzzing electro track interlaced with techy synth stabs and nursery rhyme esque lyrics, is irresistabley catchy and very different then what we're used to from Shiloh. Next up are two fantastic electro-tinged tech house remixes from the boys. "Couldn't Sleep" has a similar vibe to "Vice" with slamming synth stabs interspersed with more emotional pads. "Eden" is about as rocking as Shiloh have ever sounded with three movements of banging electro-tinged tech house (if you don't have an idea what genre the majority of this mix is, you're an idiot). Another new production from Shiloh comes in the form of "Marker". A similar vibe to "Lines" is heard here (they're both from Shiloh's own upcoming imprint, Floppy Discs) with a catchy, warping, robot voice synth laid over a wall of emotional pads.

The Moreh's team up with Luke Chable once again, this time under the guise of Tracker. Apparently created so the trio could create music for a more commercial audience, "Swank", their first production, is ridiculously eclectic, creative and catchy all at once. The track starts off as a bouncy bassline with slashes of 80's style funk melody and robot voices mumbling incoherent things. Midway through, the breakdown occurs and a huge synth guitar solo emerges. Yes, that's the melody from "Layla" you're hearing. "Vice" (as featured on Luke Chable's recent Addicted comp) and "Oz" (as featured on Shiloh's album) finish off the mix in fine manner. Overall, a very interesting mix from Shiloh. Lots of exclusives and a great preview of things to come. The sounds presented here (aside from "Oz" obviously) differ radically from what you'll hear on Shiloh's album, so be forewarned. That said, the new music here presents Shiloh as one of the most creative, diverse and exciting artists in the industry. I'm eargerly waiting for the first releases from Tracker and Floppy Discs, as anyone interested in forward thinking, quality electronic dance music should be.

Review: Shiloh - Bleed

Label: Baroque Records [BARQCD004]
Release Date: June 12th, 2006
Rating: 9/10

Literally years in the making, Bleed, Shiloh's highly anticipated debut album on Baroque, has taken quite a journey getting to us. Originally set to be released in 2004, the album saw two full years of delay before finally seeing the light of day. In some regards, this is a blessing as the album is extremely polished with almost no filler. On the other hand though, the album has a distinctly dated flavor. But dated isn't always bad. Good music is good music regardless of age. So despite having what some might call a slightly stale feeling, Bleed is a masterpiece.

CD1, titled Red Cell, is the more subdued CD with a focus on Shiloh's down-tempo/breaks sounds. Long time fans will recognize Shiloh's first single, "Will U Ever Come Around", presented here in slightly updated form. The track has lost none of its magic, and remains as majestic and fascinating as ever. The album's self-titled track emits a nice, feel good vibe with its warbley bassline and wonderfully uplifting melodies. "Face" though, may disappoint some with its tougher, more urban breaks oriented sound. The track's cheesy, rap-like lyrics end up sounding more silly then anything. The track does provide a nice segue into "Mana"; one of Shiloh's many progressive breaks masterpieces. A classic no doubt that continues to enchant with its perfectly arranged melodies and mesmerizing atmospherics. "Undo" follows in the same vein, this time with a 4/4 beat and a deep, rolling bassline amid the filtered melodies and light, yet emotional vocals. "Outsider" calls upon vocalist Antonia Lucas who turns out a great performance giving the track just the right edge to blanace out its smooth, laid back groove. "Sanguinate" provides a wonderful transition into the down-tempo reprise of Shiloh's collaboration with Benz & MD, Fall. The original always sounded a bit incoherent to me, but the reprise is much tighter. "Melt" is another quality track featuring a signature twinkling Shiloh melody that loops throughout the track to great effect. Shiloh's trademark breaks opus, "Dream On", again, as massive as ever, follows creating a deep soundscape with its despondant vocals, bubbling melodies and deep bassline. "Reaction" rounds out a near flawless CD with its huge, growling bassline and slamming synth stabs.

CD2, titled White Cell, features more club oriented tracks with several collaborations and remixes. Starting off in a huge fashion with Luke Chable's absolutely storming remix of "Dream On", the Moreh brothers don't waste anytime pushing out the peak time club tracks. Chable, ever on form, transforms the quirky original into a massive big room anthem with a huge breakdown and an out-of-this-world drop that will effectively massacre any dance floor it's played on. Michelle Chiver's lends her vox on the effortlessly smooth "Vista Cruz", before we're given the first of two Chable collaborations. "Sentrino", once again, is absolutely devastating with it's huge, chugging beat and roaring bass-melody intertwined with bits of Shiloh's style quirky melodies. Simple, but oh so effective. Shiloh's next collaboration features Arizona LP who contribute a reworking of Shiloh's 2003 single, "Baby". "All Those Things", with it's slamming breaks and amalgamation of motifs create a brilliant juxtaposition behind the track's familiar vocal. Furry Nipples (Sweden's Ozgur Can and Stian Klo) offer a techy reinterpretation of "Face", to fairly decent effect, though it's a track that seems a bit out of place on the CD. David West's big room breaks remix of "Reaction" takes the track to new heights of euphoria with its pulsating bassline and epic melodies. Even more impressive is how effectively West incorporates the vocal, which felt a little akward in the original. The next two tracks, for whatever reason, fall short of the quality displayed on the rest of the album. "IMOK" and "RUOK" just sound unpolished and underdeveloped. Here Shiloh explore the trancier side of the progressive spectrum. You can here the potential in both tracks, but at the end of each you can't help but feel underwhelmed. Fortunately, the CD closes in magnificent fashion with the second Luke Chable collaboration, entitled "OZ". Here the elements of trance are effectively in place, and the pay off is huge. "OZ" is simply an amazing piece of production that shows why trance music, when it avoids the common pitfalls that usually produce the banal, cheesy music we all love to hate, can be great music too.

So while you might not be floored by Shiloh's innovation on Bleed, you'll still appreciate their masterful craft and fantastic production. CD1, despite featuring several older tracks that may sound less fresh then most other music released nowadays, is still a tightly arranged, coherent album featuring fantastic music. CD2, despite a little bit of filler, unleashes several incredible club tracks that will undoubtedly go on to become classics of the genre. This album is really a no brainer. Fans of all genres of electronic music will find something they like here. Indeed, the long wait was worth it.

Review: Shiloh - Bleed 12" Sampler

Label: Baroque Records [BARQ060]
Release Date: May 22nd, 2006
Rating: 10/10

The first of two samplers from Shiloh's first album, Bleed. The A, "Oz", is a massive progressive trance workout that will tug your heart strings. This isn't the slightest bit cheesy, it just works. It starts off with a huge 4/4 beat and slowly introduces layer after layer of euphoric pads. The beat slowly fades into the background before being suddenly reintroduced in a huge eruption of emotion. It's hard to describe how good this track is. It's easily one of the best productions produced by either Shiloh or Chable.

The flip is a remake of Shiloh's 2003 track, "Baby". Here the brothers team up with Arizona breaks outfit LP, and they create a monstrous breaks workout that is somewhat reminiscent of early Shiloh productions. A huge droning bassline and techy synth stabs give way to more melodic loops and some excellent vocals. If you like this, you should check out the original "Baby" productions.

The Baroque ads were correct in stating that this is a fantastic reflection of the quality of Shiloh's album. Two fantastic cuts, and instant classics. "Oz" might be my favorite track so far this year.

Review: Shiloh - Dream On (Luke Chable Remix)

Label: Baroque Records [BARQ057]
Release Date: March 20th, 2006
Rating: 9/10

Apparently one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in Baroque's history, Luke Chable's massive remix of Shiloh's "Dream On" finally gets released months after we first heard it on Chable's Kiss 100 mix back in August '05. The remix is in classic Chable style as Luke takes the original's jittery melodies and loops them over a huge four to the floor beat. Several minutes in, the beat drops out and we're left with a huge breakdown that eventually picks up with a huge rumbling bass synth line that screams peak time madness. This is one Chable's finest, and that's saying a lot considering the sheer quantity of quality remixes and productions this man has released in the last few years.

On the flip is Shiloh's original, which is still a great tune in it's own right. Very atmospheric, with a snappy bassline and Shiloh's signature vocodered vocals. The best part is the jittery melodies that come between the choruses. One of Shiloh's best.

The Luke Chable Remix has been a favorite of mine for months now. Hopefully we'll continue to see huge remixes like this from Luke Chable.

Shiloh's Debut Album Released

Three years in the making, after two years of delays (if you remember back far enough, the album was originally supposed to be released in 2004), Shiloh's debut album, "Bleed", has finally been released. Featuring two CDs of fantastic music, Shiloh fans will not be disappointed. Having listened to the album several times, I can honestly say that album does live up to the hype. I'll be posting a review in the coming days (as soon my hard copy arrives in the mail). Those interested in purchasing the album should head over to the Baroque Records website at http://www.baroquerecords.co.uk/. Digitally, it looks like the album will be released next week.

Review: Shiloh - Mana

Label: Electrofly [ELECTRO015]
Release Date: January 17th, 2005
Rating: 10/10

The Shiloh moniker seems to be synonymous with quality music, but I think "Mana" might be the Moreh brother's most substantial work to date. The original mix is an ethereal breaks track that simply oozes proggy melodic perfection. The Original Mix has an almost ethnic vibe to it, though not because of any specific samples or sounds the producers use, but in the melancholic and slightly mysterious emotion evoked by the song's glowing atmospherics and mesmerizingly beautiful plucking synth arpeggios. This is quite simply the work of master virtuosos. Elite Force can't do the original justice with their bland deep house mix, but it does little to bring this release's rating down. Here's hoping Shiloh continue their streak of what seems like effortlessly producing innovative tracks of superior quality for years to come.