Abacus – The Relics E.P. [C#CC037]

Artist: Abacus (Austin Bascom)

Label: Classic Cuts / Clone Records

Format: 12″ Vinyl (Remastered) / Digital

Original Release Date: 1994

Reissue Date: December 2025

Genre: Deep House / Atmospheric House

The Legacy

Originally published in 1994, The Relics E.P. is a cornerstone of deep and spiritual house music. Austin Bascom, under his Abacus moniker, proved to be a master of urban and nocturnal atmospheres. This reissue on the Classic Cuts imprint represents an essential opportunity for any record bag. Remastered by Alden Tyrell at Clone Records, these pieces have been carefully adapted to today’s high-fidelity standards without losing the warmth of the original mid-90s soul.

Track-by-Track Guide

Unlike the 4-track original 1994 pressing, this remastered edition expands the journey to 6 tracks:

• A1. A Place In Time: A quintessential deep house voyage. It features a hypnotic spoken-word vocal floating over expansive and lush chords.
• A2. Relics Three (Mix One): This cut focuses on a steady bassline and crisp percussion, maintaining a dreamlike state.
• A3. The Abacus Chat: A short, jazzy, and conversational piece that showcases Bascom’s ability to blend organic textures with sophisticated grooves.
• AA1. Relics Two (Mix One): A punchier track that leans more toward the club, perfect for building energy during long transitions.
• AA2. Relics One: A masterclass in simplicity, demonstrating how a few carefully selected elements can evoke massive emotion.
• AA3. Relics One (Mix Three): An alternative perspective on the main theme, providing a different atmospheric “hue” for selectors.

Conclusion

The return of The Relics E.P. confirms that true quality is immune to the passage of time. While the 1994 original was already a masterpiece, this expanded 6-track edition by Clone Records offers the definitive experience. The remastering is impeccable; the sound is wider and the low end more defined, allowing these gems to compete with any modern release. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a new selector looking for authentic depth, this reissue is a fundamental acquisition that honors the heritage of Austin Bascom.