Squarehead Dead Reyt

Squarehead, a Sheffield-based up-and-coming talent, is the lucky producer to nab LPH's 25th release, a landmark to say the least. (As such, the label is printed with touches of silver inks). Hot off a thrilling 12" for Manucci's Mistress and a nasty one for Shabby Doll, Squarehead's LPH contribution is, as one should now expect, all lean muscle and no fat. "Dead Reyt" gets the record going at a feverish pace; a propulsive and peppy bass gets you moving straight away, with well-placed synth washes, vocal drops, and an arpeggiated, loopy melody making it playfully suspenseful and engaging. When it sputters out after seven minutes, you either hit repeat or eagerly move on the next cut, "Got2Know", an equally forceful and headfirst piano house boogie. The B-side begins with "Vishen", an elastic, whimsical jam that's laced with a bouncy synth hook and sporadic bits of extra fills, claps, and supplemental bass licks. The 12" closes with "Someday", a rigid, square house tune built around a sprightly steel drum part and swinging hats that coalesce into a euphoric conclusion to this already lighthearted yet masterfully arranged and executed collection of originals.