Jack J – Looking Forward To You

By Kyle Marno on February 3, 2015

Rating: 9.0

Quietly going about their business for the last couple of years, Canadian label Mood Hut extend their string of soulful releases with MH007. Originally released in September, it comes as great news that the outfit from Vancouver decided to repress their exceptional vinyl-only Looking Forward To You EP last month, coming from one half of the label’s favourite duo, Pender Street Steppers.

The funk of the A-side, which shares the same name as the EP, seems to be the perfect summer anthem as the rolling bassline combines with the soft vocal sample to remind the listener of sunnier days than the current British winter. The second track, Take It To The Edge, is undoubtedly the weakest of the three, but this should be taken as a compliment to the outstanding quality of the others. It shares the same blissful and dreamy state as the opener but delivers a punchier beat combined with disco-inspired bass and guitar riffs.

Something (On My Mind) strikes a more melancholic feel than the other two, resembling a cold Sunday afternoon spent inside as opposed to the outdoor warmth of its predecessors. Lasting for over ten months, the minimalism of this track is something to be celebrated rather than frowned upon. The periodic jazz sample combines with the relentless groove-filled bassline along with an occasional vocal sample and perfect hi-hats to deliver a fantastic close to this complete EP.

Mood Hut’s best release to date, hopefully this quality can prevail.

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