- Anyone who runs a vinyl-only label these days needs to—and I'm sorry to use the marketing term—add value. Vinyl is now produced in ever smaller batches or presented in fancy packaging, exaggerating its tactility. Firecracker, however, took it to the point of ridiculousness with Fudge Fingas' Untytled. The original came presented in a fabric bag, designed and made in the '80s by Italian aestheticist Ettore Sottsass, and was pressed on a run of 46. It also cost about €50.
Fortunately the re-release sees a more reasonable approach. You can now buy a standard 10-inch, albeit with a nice sleeve. Of course, all this talk of formats would be hot air if the music wasn't any good, but "Untyled" is a particularly great slice of moody deep house. The lead track mixes '80s boogie cowbells with myriad swirling synthesisers that bring to mind both Mike Banks and Herbie Hancock. It all ticks over pleasantly enough until an M1-type bassline hits, bringing with it a huge whoosh of euphoria. The sum is that rare thing, a record that's both musically interesting and has the ability to make people dance. Next up is Fudge Fingas' remix of "Secret Value," which first appeared on Firecracker's equally strong Schevchenko imprint. The track is a Detroit-indebted synth work-out, and you can clearly hear influences such as Galaxy II Galaxy. "Minus 616" rounds out the package, a neoclassical organ experiment that barely lasts more than a minute.
Tracklist A1 Fudge Fingas - Untytled
B1 Linkwood - Secret Value (Fudge Fingas Remix)
B2 Fudge Fingas - Minus 616