- 12inch
- Recommended
K. Alexi
Warehouse Trax
Dark Entries - Cat No: DE-331
- updated:2026-05-22
A genius of the Chicago house scene. A reissue of K. Alexi-related material by Dark Entries. These are likely recordings that were preserved on tape. This release features two previously unreleased tracks, both credited to K. Alexi. Six previously unreleased tracks recorded in Chicago between 1991 and 1994. A raw, rugged groove. The remastering is flawless—a hidden treasure unleashed for the modern era. It’s just too cool. The appeal of K. Alexi.
Track List
Chicago legend K. Alexi returns to Dark Entries with Warehouse Trax, an EP of previously unreleased acid and house mayhem. K’Alexi Shelby’s illustrious career has included releases on legendary labels such as Trax, DJ International, and Transmat, as well as collaborations with high-profile artists like Marshall Jefferson and Pet Shop Boys. But his musical journey began at the young age of 12, when he befriended Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles while frequenting the Music Box and Warehouse. In high school, he began writing songs and honing his poetic craft. “I recognized I had a gift to say what I was thinking. I would study Prince and Marvin Gaye, figure out what they meant and put my spin on it. The power of the word. I was writing love notes for all my boys in high school and making a killing. I would know what to say and what they should do.”
Dark Entries previously reissued Shelby’s debut record, Essence of a Dream, which was recorded under the name Risque III in 1987. Warehouse Trax follows with six tracks recorded in Chicago between 1991 and 1994. The material here has all the hallmarks of classic K’Alexi. Salsa-inflected rhythms, emotive basslines, and hip-house vibes are displayed on tracks like the high-octane “Jungle Line” or the low-key tearjerker “Protect and Survive.” There are also some unexpected surprises in store. “Aaaah” comes out of the gate swinging with hard-hitting beats and apocalyptic ravey vocal pads evocative of the edgier material on Saber Records or Djax Up Beats, and the surprisingly contemporary-sounding “Klub Dred” delivers half-time dub with stuttering vocal samples. Warehouse Trax comes in a retro-styled sleeve designed by Eloise Shir-Juen Leigh. This is essential material for devotees of classic house sounds.
Dark Entries previously reissued Shelby’s debut record, Essence of a Dream, which was recorded under the name Risque III in 1987. Warehouse Trax follows with six tracks recorded in Chicago between 1991 and 1994. The material here has all the hallmarks of classic K’Alexi. Salsa-inflected rhythms, emotive basslines, and hip-house vibes are displayed on tracks like the high-octane “Jungle Line” or the low-key tearjerker “Protect and Survive.” There are also some unexpected surprises in store. “Aaaah” comes out of the gate swinging with hard-hitting beats and apocalyptic ravey vocal pads evocative of the edgier material on Saber Records or Djax Up Beats, and the surprisingly contemporary-sounding “Klub Dred” delivers half-time dub with stuttering vocal samples. Warehouse Trax comes in a retro-styled sleeve designed by Eloise Shir-Juen Leigh. This is essential material for devotees of classic house sounds.
"Chicago legend K'Alexi Shelby returns to Dark Entries with the unreleased acid and house mayhem EP *Warehouse Trax*. K’Alexi Shelby’s illustrious career includes releases on legendary labels such as Trax, DJ International, and Transmat, as well as collaborations with renowned artists like Marshall Jefferson and the Pet Shop Boys. However, his musical journey began at the young age of 12, when he became close friends with Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles while frequenting music boxes and warehouses. During high school, he began writing songs and honing his lyrical skills. “I realized I had a talent for expressing what I was thinking. I studied Prince and Marvin Gaye, understood what they were trying to say, and added my own interpretation. It’s the power of words. Back in high school, I made a fortune writing love letters for the boys—telling them what to say and what they should do.” Dark Entries has reissued Shelby’s debut album, *Essence of a Dream*, originally recorded in 1987 under the name Risque III. The follow-up, *Warehouse Trax*, features six tracks recorded in Chicago between 1991 and 1994. The tracks here possess all the hallmarks of classic K’Alexi. Salsa-infused rhythms, emotional basslines, and hip-house vibes are on full display in tracks like the high-energy “Jungle Line” and the understated, tear-jerking “Protect and Survive.” There are also some unexpected surprises in store. “Aaaah” swings in suddenly with a hard beat reminiscent of the edgy works of Saber Records and Djax Up Beats, along with apocalyptic, rave-like vocal pads, while "Klub Dred" delivers a halftime dub vibe with stuttering vocal samples. *Warehouse Trax* comes in a retro-style sleeve designed by Eloise Seal Juen Lee. It’s an essential release for devotees of the classic house sound. (From the press release) (Original Japanese text by Saito)