Saddle up for a wild rhythmic ride on the “Kamel” EP by Toobris.
Techno is a paradox: easy to define yet hard to describe. It can be fast, it can be slow. Is it hard, melodic, or minimal? Or is it Hypnotic, Schranz, or Dub? While other genres of music rely heavily on melody, lyrics, and song structure, Techno rejects these conventions and takes a more subtle approach to storytelling.
LISTEN HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLZC3sGpKXRNgT2kDu8wBLNXMqvWLi69av: Toobris – “Kamel” EP (KEY Vinyl)While there are many overused tropes in Techno, Toobris is a producer who shows that no drops are necessary, only impeccable arrangements and absolutely pummeling percussion. Despite intentionally creating tracks with completely different elements each session, Toobris manages to harness this sonic randomness into succinctly phrased sections across his productions.
His latest release on Freddy K’s “techno label for DJs”—KEY Vinyl—is an 8-track double-EP and epic journey through galloping grooves and sandblasted soundscapes. Every cut on this EP is fresh, forward thinking, and dastardly designed with the sole desire to destroy dark and sweaty dance floors. There is a timelessness on these tracks that transcends Techno trends and although this is a vinyl-only release, some records are worth a hit to the wallet.
The opening track on the A-side, “Wadi Rum,” sets the tone with a thumping kick and sub rumble. Smattered layers of hi hats, rides, and rim shots leave space for swells of synths and spooky pads that add just the right amount of tension, release, and sudden moments of peak intensity. Following a similar formula, the second track, “You Seem Happy,” is a bit stripped back in the drums department with a mangled fragment of a melody making a big impact on the mix.
Flipping over onto the B-side “Silver Platter” features a forlorn lead with muzzy pads and simple synth stab, while “Streetman” has so much swing slathered on the sequences, it feels like the sub bins will bounce and tumble away.
The standout track, “Dead Sea,” starts off the C-side with wooshes of noise and some of the best percussion programming on the entire release. A heavily saturated and ring modulated lead synth slowly fades in over the first minute and just as pressure builds up, Toobris blows the lid off. “Snayeh” on the other hand, is a bit more laid back and loopy, leaving room for scrambled samples and cryptic chords. Closing out the EP are two more fantastic tracks, “Analog Nomad” centered around mysterious bass and synth riffs, while “Petra” is massive and monolithic yet elegantly embellished.
As a listener, sometimes it is difficult navigating through the vast and expansive electronic music landscape. Toobris has a uniquely trippy, loopy, groovy, and itchy-brain approach to producing Techno. If that’s what you are looking to explore, then let him be your guide.
-Alex Dahm
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