DJ Alex Corton – Good Looking Records

Good Looking Records

Nu Moon – Into Planet Tree EP

2002

This week takes us to the final week of full Good Looking Records EP’s with the second half of the Nu Moon EP, ‘Into Planet Tree’ then a dance through (and a decent gallop through the music), onto Makoto and Nookie. Next week we will finish the EP reviews with the one disc of Makoto’s Test Press of the ‘Joy EP’. Then it’s on with the next block of reviews, on this mighty label. 

    I hope your weekend has been one that gave you the chance to listen to some quality music, and the levels of existence seemed to mean something that little bit extra. Rising above the mess and confusions, it’s the music that’ll keep things within our perfect escape. We had a slight freeze here in Texas but stayed warm and sheltered. 

   The cutting edge vibes that Good Looking Records had spun over the last 10 years had pretty much solidified its place in history. You could say that even after 3-4 years, that their output had changed the way drum and bass could open up new pathways of perception and gratification. It’s with the ongoing pleasure of putting these reviews up, that this trek along the path of the label, makes its way forward. 

   Today’s review rounds off the Nu Moon EP, ‘Into Planet Tree’. On Side C we have a piece of music, titled ‘Stone Venus Unknown’. The background behind the title is one that I would love to know more about. Venus is a rocky planet and I’m sure there is a story behind the connection. Just listening to the tunes though, is one that protrudes this swirling, acidic layer of gases that shields the tense, lava spitting terrain below. ‘Stone Cold Venus’ shuttles the exploratory craft within the contours of the planet, rolling a Cosmik wielding bass which sounds incredible. Pure live bass jamming to the max. As beats go, nothing explodes with wonder but those pads sit like the feathers on a breath of the lightest air imaginable. 

The breakdown realigns the traveler’s navigational compass to sweep down, absorb and ignite an intake of the golden sounds that these guys produced. Breathtaking music. Check the percussion blitz at the end of this one too. Sweet touch!

   Track D holds the title track for this EP. ‘Into Planet Tree’ embarks on one of the most epic pieces of music in my mind, ever made from Nu Moon. Taking those classic bell chimes (á la – Omni Trioesque / Bukem Music style-e), the tune twists from this light wispy track into this darker dive, kicking up a brilliant rhythmic onslaught, with those croaking electronic voices and a build that blows your fucking mind. This tune rolls up the sleeves, takes off the watch and hits every single nerve in your body with a touch of unbelievable brilliance. If you still don’t feel numb with the transfixed state by this far into the tune, the breakdown will be the final straw. The pads and that fucking relentlessly pounding bass, have this hypnotic pull.

   Now, call me a little backwards but I’d put money on this one being ‘Waltz For Danny’ as the bass is a nod to Music as are the chimes. So does anyone else back this up as a mislabel? I can’t think of it being anything but a tribute to Bukem. Rightly so, it’s a spellbinding piece of music. One that shakes its varnish of triumphant finesse into your mind, and changes your life. Pure fucking class. 

   That’s the Nu Moon EP done, dusted and thoroughly enjoyed again. A big shout out to Simon and Steve, and the work they put out, wherever and whatever they are up to. A mighty impressive catalogue that is confirmed with all the tracks on Good Looking and on this EP. 

  Tomorrow it’s onto a familiar name on the GLR roster. Until then, I hope you get to roll through some of this blog that’s been building over the last few months, covering Good Looking Records. There’s plenty here if you would like to scout back and read some.