WHILE the Genius Of Time duo, Nils Krogh and Alexander Berg, have hinted at brilliance in recent years, with various re-edits and regular productions for Aniara Recordings, it’s becoming clear nothing flukey is at work.
As well as adding a touch of class to tunes from Trickski and Challenge (Pete Herbert & Tim Paris), 2010’s ‘Same Old Place’ was the moment the partnership really hit form, unleashing a sharply defined slow burner with all the trimmings — a tough, steady groove with an underbelly of sinewy funk; a wistful vocal sample and a heavily stabbed piano breakdown. Though, despite showing these guys had mettle, there always existed an underlying feeling the best was yet to come; something that would really catapult them into the stratosphere — this is likely to be it.
Used to skilful effect as a first tune by Gerd Janson at Panorama Bar last month, ‘Tuffa Trummor Med Synt’ needs to be heard out to be fully understood. Picked on its strength to install a driving-yet-deep, melodic thrust to any DJ set, there is something irresistible at work underneath that unassuming 4/4, as early as 30 seconds in. The drum-laden percussion presents another layer, as it swings into motion, before a hi-hat and steely pop add a kick and a flick, despite rolling at a steady rumble compared to what’s to come.
Pitched as a New Jersey house bomb brought up-to-date, the metallic oscillation of the hook has the epic, heartfelt attitude of an early Mad House release, and there is a streetwise quality underneath it, too. But there is also a level of sophistication at work, a jazzy propensity defying the years of two men still in their twenties. The cosmic synths might recall the nebulous cosmic energy of Pepe Braddock’s ‘Deep Burnt’, but remember this look so elegantly restyled for the new generation by Floating Points on ‘Vacuum Boogie’. Both are honoured here without negating the peak-time rabble; the necessary requirement to inject energy into any given dancefloor without forgetting the cerebral potential of house music.
Everything about Side A oozes class. Its cleverly worked military- style build and intuitive pace — delicately weighted with moments of restraint — bare the mark of two true professionals. Meanwhile, the B-side offers a devastating dose of jackin’ Detroit house, with ‘Med Rost’. Presenting two individuals at the height of their swagger, ‘Tuffa Trummor’ sees Genius Of Time pushing their boat out equipped with an armoury of vintage hardware, yet with the aid of a finely tuned digital navigation system. No doubt there is more to come.
Who’s behind the label? International DJ, singer/songwriter and A&R man Ben Lost is back at the label after a lengthy break. He currently hosts Beyond The Black Radio on DI.FM and is frontman for Perfecto Fluoro live act Federation.
Sounds like? Old school trance vibes with modern production values, or in Ben’s words, “Old trance, real ale, no trouse”.
Who’s on it? Tilt, Filteria, Adam White presents Blanka,
Robert Vadney, Sonic Entity, Les Hem- stock, Charm & Strange, Santiago Nino.
Who’s playing it? Solarstone, Paul Oakenfold, Thomas Datt, Armin van Buuren, Orkidea.
What’s next? “Our next release will be ‘The Ascension 002 (The Illumination) Mixed By Tasadi’, a compilation featuring Orkidea, J-Soul, Ozo Effy, Changer, Vadim Zhukov, Elliot Poston, Tsadi & Haven and many more,” concludes Ben.