Aldo Vanucci - Straight Lift

This, the debut release from Plymouth's own Aldo Vanucci, comes with the endorsement of Fatboy Slim, who goes to the man for samples. While Vanucci's prior 12" releases on the Catskills and Good Living labels may have hinted at a serious samples fixation, what is most striking on Straight Lift is the richness and density of sound. Every sample has a place, purpose and effect all of its own, most notably on tracks like S.O.U.P. None sound like they're there for the tokenism - indeed, the whole album's a veritable Scotch broth. Vocalists such as Jeff Mills and Benny Diggs spill their tones over vibrant hip-hop beats, while pulsating basslines keep our ears active and toes tapping. Vanucci's bootlegging background has served him well in assembling this hugely enjoyable Straight Lift. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead]