Across this spread of Various Artists EPs ROMB has toured a range of styles and sounds, giving new artists a platform for their music. Inspiring machine sounds from fresh talent by a fledgling imprint that has already developed a robust catalog.
There seems to be something understated when it comes to Scandanavia and Electronic Music. I recently profiled the excellent Börft Records, a label that has been running for twenty-five years but has remained in the undergrowth. Another label from Sweden that has stayed in the shadows is ROMB. Now the label is only a year old which could explain things, but it is the underground aspect and style of this label that maintains the murkiness.
With four releases under their belt, ROMB has been productive in their first year; and brave. Across the quartet of 12”s there was not one artist familiar to me. I say brave because, to toot my own horn, I’ve a decent knowledge of Electronic music so I’d expect to know a few out of sixteen. But not a sausage. Perhaps this is because ROMB has solely focused on Swedish artists, especially Stockholm based musicians.
The first of this quartet of compilations, ROMB001, sees Acid brewings from Etcher (Abstract Acid) before dubbier sounds are inserted. Ultracity, of Rollerboys Recordings, side-step their usual sound, serving up a hearty piece of House before an excellent Techno exit from Patrick Richard.
The second installment holds the same variety, moments of Italo sitting alongside IDM and Larry Heard inspired House. Likewise, the third EP had that same breadth of variety. Spaced 303 warmth and future longue run parallel with shimmering Techno.
For the latest edition the people of ROMB have stuck to the formula, Stockholm based artists. Yourhighness opens with the staple introduction across the all the compilations, an Acid smasher. Throat gripping relentlessness but with just the right touch to elevate it into something more. TowlieSlingSamo eases the pressure with some lighter Techno before Patrick Richard returns for a warm piece of dancefloor Electronics. Cascading chords and rippling arpeggitors combine for a sublime piece from the Romb veteran. The dub laden finale is less inspired than its predecessors but doesn’t take off any of the shine of this bright eyed four tracker.
Across this spread of Various Artists EPs ROMB has toured a range of styles and sounds, giving new artists a platform for their music. Inspiring machine sounds from fresh talent by a fledgling imprint that has already developed a robust catalog.
Visit ROMB Records at rombrecords.se.
