Various Artists - Get Nowt
Shy Bairns, the hottest new label emerging from the Northeast, is not just a party but a beacon of fresh, Geordie-focused vision in the saturated scene of repetitive bassline 'bangers' and enthusiastic bootlegs. Their debut release, Get Nowt (2024), is a three-track masterpiece that introduces the unique and exciting world of Shy Bairns.
Up first is Tommy 2000, which has a swanky garage roller full of public glitches that quickly amps any dance floor. The track is entitled 'Music for a While', and its combination of lush reverbs coat unmistakably or beat vocal trills. It's proper old school in its vocals and all about the diva. Tell Me 2000 combines these elements with a whistling synth that begins this incredibly monumental breakdown, pulling it out of obscurity. Each track on the release has something like this that screams where we are ready.
Up next is Wodda with 'R U Ready', a raunchy and reckless sound balanced by rhythmic vocal chops. Playing the doors of kicks and the sizzling top end of the percussion is a sign of things to come, making you reassess whether you R Ready. Wodda pushes the BPM faster, giving the track a more hardcore ravey feel. The energy is propelled further and further through the bassline that keeps ramping up. This incredibly simple flute also gets you stomping with a melody catchier than the pied piper could muster.
Closing this out is Bunney, whose italo-flavoured end to the EP is a welcome surprise. 'Freak Movements' is a stepper while keeping true to its namesake. The slightly tacky choking of the baseline wrapped itself around the waist and keeps it shaking to an Electro chorus of "move your body". It's an absolute joke that one EP could encapsulate such an atmosphere. Three different artists, three different track styles, all working in perfect sync to deliver one of the most exciting EPs of the summer. Congratulations to everyone at Shy Bairns. This is really a killer.
Tracklist:
Tommy 2000 - Music for a While
Wodda - R U ready
Bunney - Freak Movements
Label: Shy Bairns (2024)
Various Artists - Get Nowt