Anyone who caught Luke Vibert's effort on Paperlane, under the guise 'Ace of Clubs' will surely have been keeping their eyes peeled for the next release. Look no further - House of Brakes picks up where Classid Trax left off and stays true to its predecessor's ethos - it's all about the acid.

It comes as no surprise to learn that Ed DMX is behind this EP but if you think you've heard all that Mr Breakin' can offer - think again! From the moment House of Brakes kicks off with the superbly titled 'The Arnos Groove' you know you're in for a hair-raising ride. The initial break soon gives way to a killer bassline that coupled with an old skool hook straight from '91 induces an irresistable compulsion to dance like a freak. "Tonight it's party time" goes the refrain - it's not a party, it's a rave and we've leaped 12 years into the future.

Next up is a track called 'Boing', built around the boing-boom-tschak Kraftwerk sample. It starts off as a bleepy, dubby number but soon the beat kicks in and we're treated to another classic bassline.

Flip for 'Scratch Dat Booty' which has a superb jacking intro, smothered in samples and cut-ups that only Ed could dream up. This track keeps up the pressure right to the end and constantly evolves to produce a bouncing booty climax.

'Acid Drill' is the final cut on this 4-tracker. An understated track with the usual mish-mash of samples thrown in alongside a growling acid drone.

House of Brakes defies classification. Only if you've heard Ace of Clubs will you know what to expect. Fans of Ed DMX's DJ sets will know that this is not a new direction for him but an expression of the more breaks & hip hop side to his personality. This record is of course, also driven by a love for acid and bass sounds which gives it a sense of individuality and makes it essential dancefloor amunition. Let's hope this small label keeps up the quality with its future releases.

By Braiken

House of Brakes EP and Ace of Clubs' Classic Trax (repress) are available from Bi-Wire.