The excellent FOEM is home to a great label setup, one that goes beyond routine mp3 releases, and incorporates contests, a series of label mixsets (known as the “Electronic Youth CDs”) and other nice little goodies such as shirts and such. I’ve been checking out their releases and the EP by Noraj Cue was one I really, really liked. Kudos for starting off my 2007 with a great Minimal/Detroit release!

Noraj Cue (based in Heerhugowaard, Netherlands, read an interview of him here) starts off the EP with “Borderline”, the darkest and the most cerebral of the tracks, contains a menacing voice in the middle, “I live in a world without people; I live in world of concrete; I live in a maze with bright lights”. The basses snarl as much as they can in a minimal track, and the synth textures are suitably dystopic.

“Brainblender” is not as harsh as the title suggests, but it really builds up well and incorporates a really nice filtered pad sound. The track goes through various guises in its 9 minute duration going from hypnotic to dark in a subtle manner. The great thing about this EP, is that even though the tracks are long (8-9 minutes each), you’ll be rewarded with a patient listen as there are nice treats and sonic surprises hidden away in the middle of the tracks.

The last two tracks are more playful and upbeat, and less “minimal”. “Sound Scale” is just packed with energy! (for a “minimal” release)

My pick of the 4 is the last one, “Sugar, Lime, Cachaça & Crushed Ice” which builds up to a truly blissed-out, euphoric climax! Give time for the “Cachaça” to work into your bloodstream! (Its a potent Brazilian sugarcane liquor, btw).

Netlabel:FOEM