DJ Alex Corton – Vinyl Reviews

Good Looking Records

Intense / Lacarno – 3.5 / Future Shock

2000

For today’s review we have two more artists that we have already plunged into. Intense are back for another top draw tune and we have Lacarno on the flip. This is the stickered & typed up, white label, so no art work to discuss I’m afraid, however you can find images of it. It’s very ‘subway, tube station’ orientated. Check out yesterday’s post for Gareth’s background on the full release cover. I would like to add the sleeve in a way, to place by GLR044 & GLR045. We will make a return to the sleeve art tomorrow though. 

   On Side A we have one of those tunes that really deserves so many more plays than I have heard from DJs mixes or sets. In fact I don’t think I have heard it? When you think of Intense, when compiling their best-of work, I rarely hear of this one being mentioned. This is a disgrace. Well, you’ll not be surprised then, when I say that it’s in my top 5 tracks of theirs. You have really not given this tune a serious listen if you think otherwise. Big up Dan, Beau and Simon! 

   I have opened up a fair number of sets with this tune ‘3.5’ as it sets out not only this core cementing, hypnotic bass, but the beats..the beats…the BEATS. The electric guitar samples, choral synth slide and then the pads which tear open the clouds with a prizing nectar of sweetness, join together for one of the most outstanding pieces of music from Intense. As it was released around the same time as Solar EP and Log Prog 3, I wonder if it was a tune that didn’t make the cut among that huge wave of releases from Intense?

So Beau, could you let us know, and also what the 3.5 title is about? We had 19.5 from Bukem & Peshay, so is this a sound reference? 

    Lacarno is Peter Woolcott. We reviewed a tune of his called ‘Axis’ on Earth Volume 4, and this tune can be found on Progression Sessions 5. 

‘Future Shock’ is a shuffling twist between the strands of dew drop ascending sounds and that IV of ultra catchy bass. It’s funny how one of his tunes was called ‘Axis’ and this has a very similar flavour to some of the material from Illian Walker (Axis). There is so much moving and funk glued into this tune. Lacarno had such a brief time on GLR, however did partner with Tim Burns on a few projects as Lacarno & Burns. Listening to this tune, and the quality of the music on here, the busy beats, that gorgeous bass, and the overall feeling you get hearing it, he should have been making so many more tunes. A very impressive release! 

   If you feel like you’ve missed any reviews on Good Looking Records so far, from the first release up to now, my blog is here with the write ups and some of my photos of the sleeve (where applicable) and label. Thanks for checking it out!