Dark Star EP by Shimmer: A 1992 UK House Gem That Still Kicks Ass
Alright, let’s cut the crap. If you’re into electronic music with a pulse, Dark Star EP by Shimmer is one of those releases that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Released in ‘92 on Shimmersound—a label as gritty and raw as its name suggests—this sucker slaps hard. It’s not just another collection of beats; it’s an unapologetic ride through house and progressive house vibes that feel like they were forged in some sweaty underground club where everyone forgot what year it was.
First off, credit where it’s due: M.G Bad and Shimmer killed it as producers, mixers, and writers. You can tell these guys weren’t phoning it in—they crafted something that still feels alive decades later. And yeah, maybe the production quality isn’t perfect (it’s 1992, after all), but who cares? This EP has soul, grit, and enough energy to power a small city.
Now, let’s talk tracks. “Raising Hell (Celestial Mix)” hits like a freight train wrapped in velvet. The bassline? Ridiculous. It growls at you while the synths spiral out of control like someone cracked open the sky and let the stars pour in. I mean, damn. Every time this track drops, it’s impossible not to move. Your body just reacts—it’s primal. There’s no overthinking here, just pure instinct. Then there’s “This Is Real,” which flips the vibe entirely. It’s darker, moodier, almost like it’s daring you to keep listening. The groove builds slowly, teasing you until BAM—it locks in and drags you under. These two tracks alone make the EP worth your time.
The other songs? Solid. “Ringer” bangs, “Just The Skin” brings the weirdness, and the “I.P.G. Mix” of “Raising Hell” adds a nice twist. But honestly, if you don’t lose your mind during “Celestial Mix” or get hypnotized by “This Is Real,” check your pulse—you might be dead.
Here’s the kicker: for an album made in the early ‘90s, Dark Star EP hasn’t aged a day. Maybe because it wasn’t trying to be trendy or polished back then. It’s raw, real, and dripping with attitude. Listening to it now feels like finding a dusty VHS tape from your childhood and realizing it’s way cooler than anything streaming today.
So yeah, give this EP a spin. Let it mess you up a little. Because sometimes, music doesn’t need to save the world—it just needs to remind you that you’re alive. Oh, and one last thing: Shimmer should’ve blown up bigger. What happened to them? Fucked if I know.
