Nov 15, 2026, 12:08 PM

#DiggingInTheShelves No. 93
Wicked On Wax - Speed It Up
Rotterdam Records (1995)
https://www.discogs.com/release/84633

Gabber at last, by DJ Maurice of Poing fame. I recall enjoying side B a lifetime ago.

The title track is a generic Dutch affair with the usual buzzy synths. Technically fine, doesn't stand out from 100s of similar releases. The remix initially shows promise with its liberal drum machine abuse, but totally faceplants by overusing the vocal sample.

The B side delivers the goods. While "I'll Rock You" keeps it basic, the combo of breakbeats and repetitive synth stabs just works. It gets even better in "44 Mag". Classic Tim Dog sample, literally one-note lead riff and what's this, a metal guitar loop? Banger!

Meh in front, party in the back. I've heard worse, but the best from this genre is definitely yet to come. Bonus points for the gloriously fugly cover art.

Selected: 44 Mag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLhll-7-xgk

12" vinyl record on a turntable, sleeve with cover art in the background. The cover displays very 90s CGI art invoking a horror theme with 3D models of a skull and a "scary" looking female character, mostly coming off as comical. The same purple-themed graphics continue in the label artist and record logos.