Maurizio Braccagni – The Hammer E.P.

Something I learned recently is that the sample in "Bass Solution" doesn't actually say "bass". I heard a makina track with a longer version of the same sample - which says "the beauty...of the beast". So the sample actually says "of the, of the, of the beast". Which is a bit underwhelming somehow.

Of course this doesn't change the fact that this is an undeniable rave classic. It's a great example of the early Italian hardcore sound, in the same vein as tunes like "Tribal Church", "The Universe", "MB Side EP" or "Terapia" - with all the ruthless simplicity of early gabber, but with the aggressive edge switched for bouncy fun. Huge in Scotland and Holland, and you can hear it's influence in hardcore from both countries (especially in the sound Scott Brown would develop later the same year).

The other track on the AA side "Mosquito" was also massive, built around a very distinctive gritty 4-note bassline. Ironically, even though this is sampled from an earlier Dutch track (the original version of "We Who Are Oppressed") - "Mosquito" reworks this into a tougher, more energetic track - and thus became the bigger hit in Holland. (Later remixed memorably by DJ Paul at the peak of the late 90s oldskool revival).

By comparison the Leroy tracks weren't nearly as big - although "Are You Down" did get a bit of play. Using a much sampled riff from a new beat classic, with that famous Underground Resistance sample - another simple but effective party track. The final track "Feel This" however, I don't think got much attention. It's perfectly fine, but next to 3 undeniable rave behemoths it was destined to be ignored.

Like many of the more accessible classics across dance music, the simplicity of this record makes it easy to dismiss it, even though it was arguably more influentilal than many of the more boundary pushing records from the same time. But records like this are an important counter-balance to the darker, heavier side of hardcore. And the simplicity is what helps keep this such a reliable party hit even today.

I have a version which comes in a black sleeve, just like the white one with only a small S.I.A.E. sticker on it. Both labels printed.

Leroy - Are You Down? Samples Underground Resistance - UR Live In Utrecht, Holland from https://discogs.cinepelis.org/Underground-Resistance-Revolution-For-Change/master/21616

This is definitely one of the true Italian Hardcore-Techno classics, the most noted track been the all time classic of "thump the bass, thump the bass thump the thump the thump the bass" with a killer baseline the track is definitely worthy of a high rating.

The other track of note is Mosquito and once again the classic Italian Hardcore-Techno sound of heavy basslines with a funky sample over the top sure to get most dancefloors shaking.

Overall a must for most collections of the old skool Italian Hardcore era.