A1 - D1

A1 - D1

Gescom [Skam Records]

17 February, 2008 | 9.38AM

• Written by: Richard Brophy
• Filed under: Music Recommendations: gescom, skam records

I really wanted to like this release for a number of reasons, but mainly because a) Skam Records is one of the few labels that doesn’t give a toss about what’s going on on the outside world and puts out the music it likes, no matter how unpalatable that may be.

And b) because Gescom is an umbrella organisation with a fluid line up — it is reckoned that it has up to 20 active, mainly anonymous members — an anarchic approach that goes against the egotism that is central to DJ culture.

Certainly, this unconventional ethic yields left of centre results and the hyperspeed clattering drums of ‘A1’ — it would be too much to expect track titles — features a noisy, free form bass.

The lithe breaks on ‘C1’ shift in and out of tempo, yet, despite its understated nature, is just as unpredictable.

Ironically, the highlights are based on a more conventional aesthetic, with Gescom laying down the nastiest, most repetitive 303 basslines and tightest percussive claps on ‘A2’ and ‘D1’ since Phuture got the hump with being ripped off by the “industry” and flew solo.

And then people wonder why Skam like to do things on their own terms?

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