Not long ago, Igloo Mag brought you some of the highlights in a review for Toast & Jam’s We Bore compilation that was inspired by remixing tracks that T&J
artists didn’t like to create something they did like. Well, this time around, a compilation entitled Toast & Jam Nine (release #9) displays some of Portland, Oregon’s finest musicians with an electro influence.
With a few relatively unknown experimentalists including Decapod Claw, Phoplex, Mr. Purple, Glomm, Roshi, DJ Copy, Ainu, N-Grava and a few we’re familiar with (Solenoid, ML), Toast & Jam Nine is a documentation of all things that shine in the accoustic electro video-game influenced retro flavor. The intro by Decapod Claw (“Bosconian”) opens with a rustic industrial/electro beat next to quirky Atari elements that sets the foundation for what’s to come. ML’s “Monkey Feet” takes on a similar formula but relaxes the beats in a jaw-dropping electro workout of polished melodies and flowing rhythms. Decapod Claw’s “Squish Pirate 03” surely tells us that they are one to look out for in the near future; their use of Skam-like basslines, aquatic tweaks, and fierce electro shows us that they are sure to rise out of the sea of experimental electronic musicians. While several of the tracks on Toast & Jam Nine display a solid dose of abrupt electro, it also teases us with natural electronic ambience and precious digital/accoustic beats in tracks like Glomm’s “A Pleasant Surprise”, Roshi’s “Mako” and DJ Copy’s “Arthur, The Greatest Achiever in the World”.
Toast & Jam Nine is a fine example of creative ingenuity in the craft of electro, ambience, and organic electronic vibes. You get the whole range on this compilation, sure to bring this independent label (from Portland, OR) some much needed
attention. Keep in mind that all Toast & Jam releases are in the budget of $4-6, so it’s also in your best interest to scope out their whole catalog. While they focus on CDR releases, they are also inspired by releasing quality electronic music that is both ear tingling and attention grabbing.
