Back To Old Skool by Soulrack: A Raw Acid Trip That Kicks You in the Teeth
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this album doesn’t mess around. Released in 2009 on Cray1 Labworks outta Spain, Back To Old Skool by Soulrack is like a gut punch from your favorite bouncer at some underground rave. It’s dirty, relentless, and dripping with attitude. This ain’t for the faint-hearted or those who think electronic music starts and ends with EDM festivals. No, this is Acid, Techno, and Tech House all mashed together into something so raw it feels dangerous.
The title track, “Back To Old Skool,” slaps hard right outta the gate. The acid bassline wriggles under your skin like a worm you can’t shake off, while the beat pounds away like it's trying to drill through your skull. And yeah, maybe that sounds brutal—but damn if it doesn’t make you move. What sticks? The way the track builds tension without ever letting up. There’s no soft landing here; it just keeps pushing forward, daring you to keep up. If you’re looking for chill vibes, good luck—this is pure adrenaline wrapped in distortion.
Then there’s the JPLS Remix of the same track. Now, I don’t know who JPLS is, but they clearly had beef with whoever said techno couldn’t be aggressive as hell. This remix takes the original and twists it into something darker, nastier. The kicks are heavier, the synths sharper, like someone sharpened them on a grindstone before throwing them at your face. It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best possible way. When that drop hits, it’s like getting hit by a truck—if trucks were made of neon lights and bad decisions.
Look, this album isn’t perfect. Some might call it repetitive, but screw ‘em. Repetition’s part of the charm when done right, and Soulrack nails it. They’re not reinventing the wheel—they’re smashing it to pieces and welding it back together into a spiked death trap. By the time the Mute Remix rolls around, you’re either fully onboard or you’ve already bailed. But let’s be real—if you’re still reading this, you’re probably vibing with what I’m saying.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album feels less like nostalgia and more like rebellion. Like, forget going "back to old skool"—this is about tearing down whatever new crap replaced it and building something grittier, meaner. Maybe that’s why it stuck with me. Or maybe it’s just because my neighbors hate me now thanks to those pounding beats. Either way, Back To Old Skool reminds us that sometimes, the past has more bite than the present.
So crank it loud, piss off your landlord, and remember—acid never dies. Except, uh… maybe mine did after hearing this? Whatever, details.
