The number 13 may be considered unlucky by some, but not so far Italians. Fittingly, for Uzuri 013 we welcome back Leopoldo Rosa aka Lerosa for his third release on the label – his first being back in 2007 on Uzuri 001. This 12” precedes his forthcoming full length release for the label and was recorded alongside production work on the album. By Leo’s own admission, the four tracks featured here convey a more marked sense for his love of all things Chicago House, specifically late eighties Trax material. Using these influences as a starting point, Leo set out to develop the pieces into more personally representative works, musically incorporating emotions experienced on a day to day basis, whether it be from interpersonal relationships, love, desire and the occasionally frictional interplay between them. The title track, ‘Facade’, plunges straight into the yesteryear percussion and acid bassline of Leo’s beloved Chicago, though the synths that begin to seep into the mix bring things bang up to date. It’s a smooth, melodic tune with some typically classy production touches. ‘I Care’ has a more languid feel, with reverbed drums sitting under a low bassline, accompanied by a bubbling analogue line. As synths take the mood higher and the track begins to build, a subtle vocal begins to nudge at your consciousness. There’s a clear jacking intent to ‘Rex’, from the stripped-back percussion to the high synth line that’s reminscent of many of the style’s classic pieces. It’s not long, though, before Leo’s own production identity makes itself evident. The switch, midway through, takes it right to the floor. EP closer, ‘Tanned Legs’, takes a somewhat different approach to the rest of the tracks here. The light, skipping drums and resonant bassline convey an almost Garagey feel, before a spoken sample and 303 line wind in and confound expectations further!