Description
“So This Is Love” is an iconic track by Mental Cube, a duo formed by Brian Dougans and Gary Cobain. This important work, presented at their roots, was created by the two men who would later make their mark on electronic music history as The Future Sound of London.
Released in 1991, this was their second release following their debut track “Chile of the Bass Generation,” and is known as a work that blazed a trail across the landscape of UK house and techno, which was still in its infancy at the time. Warm, swaying synth pads, a glossy bassline, and a sensual atmosphere fitting for the title come together to radiate a timeless appeal even now, more than 30 years later.
The development of the opening 30 seconds in particular is so impressive that it has been described as “the most seductive 30 seconds of any house track.” The fusion of a deep, melancholic melody and meticulous rhythm programming is the very essence of the UK club sound aesthetic.
The B-side “Q” is a hard-edged track that evokes the influence of early 90s techno from Germany and Belgium, featuring a cyber, minimalist texture that foreshadows later FSOL works. The French 12-inch edition is highly popular, trading for between 30,000 and 50,000 yen on the market.
A historic vinyl that blurs the boundaries between house and techno while anticipating a new grammar of electronica. It is a record whose fresh sound still surprises listeners today.
A So This Is Love 4:50
B1 So This Is Love (Neo-Neo Mix) 4:00
B2 Q (Santa Monica Mix) 4:10
First released over 30 years ago, this release was further instrumental in
establishing a new genre of electronica within dance music. Mental Cube was
the creation of Brian Dougans and Gary Cobain, “So This Is Love” the follow up
to their 1990 debut “Chile Of The Bass Generation”. This is before their creation
of The Future Sound Of London. They were ahead of their time and extremely
progressive, and here three decades later they are making an impression. “So
This Is Love” has been described as unique with ‘the most seductive 30 seconds
of any house track ever. Timeless, emotional, sexy and deep. A masterclass in
UK house, one of the best electronic tracks ever made’. “Q” has been described
as sounding inspired by the 90s techno sound out of Germany and Belgium, a
French issue of it on 12” selling in the current market for between £200 and
£350.
