Ksmisk – Balder EP (CYMAWAX001)

Marking the first output of Cymasonic s offshot vinyl-only label and collabaration with Subwax Distribution, the Balder EP is a two-hundred copy, hand stamped entry into the world of Cymawax. There s no better way to start than with four quality tracks of hot and crunchy Norwegian techno with soul by Trulz & Robin, under their new moniker for otherworldly machine sounds: Ksmisk. The duo from Oslo have been a force in Norway s electronic music scene for over two decades, but their current project is set to bend and exceed all expectations. The title track makes full use of spacial effects to create the kind of landscape deserving of the cavernous exchange of industrial rooms or the breathing walls of smaller sweatboxes. Its energetic arpeggiation carries the driving, raw bass line home. Less linear and more neurotic, -Jonson- squelches its way into existence. Next, -Water- is as fluid as the name suggests, using deep, delayed dub chords to sustain listeners during its eight minute life. Finally, the release ends on -Tehjerk- which is full of electricity, heavily charged with distortion and powerful drums before opening up into a euphoric waterfall of melodies. It s fitting that this chronicle should end up pressed onto wax, a monument to the physical launch of Cymawax and Trulz & Robin presenting Ksmisk.