JAY SHEPHEARD, a veteran of the Berlin house scene based at RETROFIT, which he presides over, launched his new project SHEP' at the end of last year, which has been a big hit since its first release, and the new album has already arrived! The lead track "Smiling Beaver" (sample 1), with its hypnotic and mysterious voice refrain and tight drum pattern, is wonderfully balanced. The variety of percussion shots and beeps in "Fur Burger" (sample 3) are also unique and masterful. (Original Japanese text by Akie)