Squarepusher
Big Loada

LA RECENSIONE

Characters like Tom Jenkinson deserve in-depth studies and research to understand what goes on in their little brains.
The good Tom, known to most as Squarepusher, has been entertaining us since 1996 with his schizophrenic mix of frantic and crazy beats, samples cut with an axe and reassembled as best as he can, various electronic acidity and more, leading to the release of masterpieces like "Hard Normal Daddy" (released in 1997), one of the most convincing works of his now-decade-long career.

In 1998, the "square pusher" returns to the forefront, and he does so with an EP/Minialbum that fully confirms the impressions elicited by his brilliant predecessor. We are clearly talking about "Big Loada," a work that for many brings the sonic evolution of the Warp house producer to definitive completion.
The album's twelve tracks, between unreleased pieces and remixes, are twelve jewels that flow by like mad shards, forcing the unwary listener to press the repeat button on the stereo multiple times to grasp even the slightest nuance.

It starts with the legendary "Come On My Selector" (with a splendid video directed by the brilliant Chris Cunningham), where supersonic speeds clash with jazzy slapped basslines and irresistible vocal samples, resulting in applause. Continuing with the listening, one encounters pearls of rare beauty, such as the reggae-infused "Full Rinse" with MC Twin Tub, the schizoid "Body Builder (Dressing Grown Mix)," an excellent background for any respectable neurology department, moving through the repeated "D-D-D-DJ" in the delirious "Tequila Fish" and the soft, ambient atmospheres of "Port Rhumbus," to the extraordinary "Significant Others," full of echoes, reverbs, and aquatic sounds from the Mariana Trench. Sublime. The brief "Barn (303 Kebab Mix)," a nod to the Breakbeat trend of the time, triumphantly closes the album, awarded with top marks.
However, there is still room for the bonus track "DATA," available exclusively in the European version, adding further prestige to a work that intrigues and captivates from the very start.

Certainly, the purist rocker may not appreciate it, and the fan of easy melody might turn up their nose, but Squarepusher is credited with one merit in any case: having created an ideal soundtrack for those who are not afraid to go beyond.
How can you not love him?