Fierce – Cutslo (Lokuste Mix) / Alien Girl

Interestingly enough, the nasty bass line in Alien Girl that made such history is but a preset on the access Virus synth with a knob twist. The track is a minimal experiment that worked to say the least. This tune does so much with so little its really bordering on absurdity, which is why its such art. The middle breakdown is unforgettable.
Cutslo also happens to be one of the most cannon worthy reece tunes, however to me, it will always be known as the worst mixdown on any tune that E+O ever touched. When the drums finally come in, they sound like they are in the background.... totally lacking impact. I dont know what happened but i think something was overlooked in the production or mastering. Ive heard there is a much better put together "dub mix" of this tune floating around... but have not looked into this topic for 15 years at least... someone out there might know....

Doesn't get better than this. Ed Rush and Optical (and Fierce) at the height of their powers. Wormhole was a great album, but nothing on that LP comes close to these two tunes in of raw face melters.

If you're looking for a digital copy of Lokuste, it's on this Various - Freestyle. Based on the cover artwork I was a bit surprised, but it's the full-length track, and it's seemingly crackle-free too, so it's potentially sourced from a digital master [update: after a few more listens, I'm not totally convinced it's from a digital master, but if it is sourced from vinyl, it's certainly pretty clean]. I have the vinyl as well, and to my ears the dynamic range on the vinyl sounds better. I'm quite possibly just imagining that though, and if you don't have turntables, that compilation looks like the only place you'll find it as a digital file for now.

Gave this a good clean and played both sides with a brand new stylus and the sub woofer turned up and it sounds incredible - one of the best Drum and Bass records ever!

Both tunes are absolute killers! There is no tune that slices you in half with bass like Alien Girl.

Both Cutslo and Alien Girl still cause havoc when dropped at a proper rave. A timeless 12"

Both sides are incredible, but Cutslo takes the cake for me. What I would do for a digital re-release!!

Back when darkside dnb ruled the day! I’m probably gonna sound like all the other old wankers but honestly what a time to be alive raving from 92-2004, took a break and i’m
now going out raving again. There’s so much good music out there but nothing slaps you in the face like Alien Girl! Viscous and spiteful tune, straight from the depths of hell, darker than satans arsehole! 😂👌 Own it you won’t regret it ✌️

My favourite factoid about Alien Girl is the high-pitched 'grinding to a halt' sound was actually lifted from Otto's school bus in The Simpsons. That aside, its all about Cutslo for me. What a monster.

Nearly 25 years later Locust remix is still one of the most disgusting drum & bass tracks ever made, the huge 5 minute intro is perfect for preparing you for the monster drop, still sounds powerful, terrifying and unsettling in 2022.