Untold - HEK036 - Hemlock Recordings
Jack Dunning, better known under his alias ‘Untold’, finally re-emerged with the release of a solo EP on his own Hemlock Recordings. This five-tracker is a proper comeback: he doesn’t merely keep a finger on the pulse, adapting what’s trendy now. Rather, he remains ahead of the curve while never losing an ounce of his authentic signature sound which he’s been pushing forward since 2008. After his last solo release in 2017, his remix on Bruce’s four more than four tape (scroll down for this one) earlier this year ignited anticipation among his fans for a solid comeback - expectations which he does not disappoint at all!
Prince Rupert’s Drop opens this new chapter with a mix of a well-crafted UK Garage leaning halftime groove and passages of warm chimes, all based on a contemplative organ bassline, that mutates into a proper wobbler every now and then. Perfect! and Here’s Why It Matters, a patiently arranged Dubstep piece plays with the contrast of on-point drums with military-style snares and a 4/4 kick on the one hand, and a laid-back percussive elements and melting piano chords towards the end. Strong early hour business this one.
Good Shoelaces carries over this energy, by translating triplets and ambiences from 1970’s cop thriller soundtracks into the language of golden era Dubstep. Wonderfully eerie tension, dissonant chords lurking around the corner while following the wonky bassline throughout the case’s investigation.
It’s Not My Fault but It Is My Problem starts quite unusually with an intro full of psy or even goa recalling sounds, but as soon as the massive stepper kicks in you’re exactly where you expected to be on an Untold release: Forward thinking Dubstep-infused Techno with the unmistakable Untold bass-stabs and brutal aesthetics reminding of earlier releases like Gonna Work Out Fine or Motion The Dance. Just as the well-crafted opening of the EP it closes with Dogfooding, a deep and lush bass-steppin’ meditation with flashes of chords and sirens here and there.
Let’s hope it won’t take another nine years until his next release!
