Album Review: Agaric “Who Made Up The Rules”
Techno from across the pond… Sweden that is! The country and its dance music loving peeps have been at the forefront of the EDM scene through the 90’s and ’00’s having spawned several successful DJ’s, producers and labels. Agaric (Patrik Skoog) is one of the pack to have made a mark with his technical chops and ear for imaginative compositions … his debut album titled Who Made Up The Rules, out on Ovum Records, is an aptly titled release for more than one reason. The music on this album does not follow the rules of genre classification when it comes to the music on the disc… there’s minimal, tech house, house, downtempo, ambient … nonetheless straight ahead dance music. Plus the title track is a dollop of tech-house goodness that has been receiving heavy radio play on my show (8 0’clock Buzz on WORT 89.9 FM) given the political mess we are currently in here in Wisconsin.
The marching rhythm of the beats keeps time through several of the tracks on the album, with thick, bouncy bass and the highs of cymbals and shakes propelling you through your day (or evening) with a smile on your face. Favorite tracks that get repeat play are Nahua, Run (Ostem Jam) and Shot By Light. The album ends on a brooding note with orchestral strings, ethereal sounding silky vocals, and the chugging of a steam engine? Go figure.. or better yet, go get yourself a copy of the album. In case your local record store does not have a copy, get them to order one for you or go online (Who Made Up the Rules – CD@Amazon.com
