Marking the first output of Cymasonic's offshoot vinyl-only label, the Balder EP is a two-hundred copy, hand stamped entry into the world of Cymawax. There's no better way to start than with four quality tracks of hot and crunchy Norwegian techno with soul by Trulz & Robin, under their new moniker for otherworldly machine sounds: Ksmisk. The duo from Oslo have been a force in Norway's electronic music scene for over two decades, but their current project is set to bend and exceed all expectations.
The title track makes full use of spacial effects to create the kind of landscape deserving of the cavernous exchange of industrial rooms or the breathing walls of smaller sweatboxes. Its energetic arpeggiation carries the driving, raw bass line home. Less linear and more neurotic, "Jonson" squelches its way into existence. Next, "Water" is as fluid as the name suggests, using deep, delayed dub chords to sustain listeners during its eight minute life. Finally, the release ends on "Tehjerk" which is full of electricity, heavily charged with distortion and powerful drums before opening up into a euphoric waterfall of melodies. It's fitting that this chronicle should end up pressed onto wax, a monument to the physical launch of Cymawax and Trulz & Robin presenting Ksmisk.
Danny Tenaglia - "Sounds good!"
Tensnake - "Massive EP."
Stacey Pullen - "This is cool."
Nick Warren - "Excellent tracks from Trulz & Robin … full support."
Massimiliano Pagliara (Live At Robert Johnson / Balihu) - "Hot!"
Saulty (Downtown Party Network) - "'Balder' is a groover."
Severino (Horse Meat Disco) - "Banging … nice!"
Philogresz (TEAMrecords / WARE) - "Good tools … feeling 'Water' and 'Tehjerk'."
Tim Paris (Marketing Music / My Favorite Robot) - "Lovely EP … I'm going to play this a lot."
Rodion (Alien Alien / Gomma) - "'Balder' for me … but overall the production is great throughout."
C-Rock (stir15 / Cocoon) - "I've been a big fan of Trulz & Robin for a long time … I dig this one, too. Great release."
Roberto Rodriguez (Manolo / Serenades) - "'Balder' is a cool banger … bring it."
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite / Dialtone Records) - "Tasty atmospheric tracks here!"
Malbetrieb (Klopfgeist / Paradigm) - "Nice!"
Corrie (Eat More Beef Music) - "'Balder' and 'Jonson' for me. Lovely sound."
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - "Superb club beats right here. All four offer up something which I can use in various sets, but the bounce and flow on 'Jonson' is brilliant!"
Ulysses (Neurotic Drum Band) - "I love these analog jams … more please."
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) - "This is the finest and most futuristic electronic music I have heard in a long time. The arrangement and production are second to none and some of the sounds are scary good."
Tee Cardaci (Low Down Grooves / Sine Qua Non) - "Great atmospheric techno that bumps."
Now available on 12" vinyl from Juno Records, Decks Records, Redeye Records, and other vinyl shops worldwide.