London-based imprint Cold Blow makes a triumphant return with ‘Bonus Beats – Rare & Unreleased Finnish Electro 1990–2002’, a meticulously curated 12-track compilation celebrating the trailblazing visionaries of Finland’s electro at the turn of the millennium.
Far from a simple archival exercise, the compilation bridges the past and present, capturing the forward-thinking essence of machine-driven frequencies while keeping one foot firmly planted in the future. Showcasing a stellar lineup of producers who pushed analog research to new heights, the compilation traverses a spectrum of kinetic soundscapes, from feverish breakbeats, low-slung chuggers to razor-sharp tech-house cuts.
Compiled by Erkko Lehtinen, the roster features standout contributions from Finnish heavyweights like Dr. Robotnik, Dumbeat’s alumni B-Rock, production duo Orchestra Guacamole, F Communications luminary Jori Hulkkonen and Tero, among others, each flexing their unique prowess.
A standout from the collection, Decepticon‘s ‘We Are The Decepticons’ immediately plunges listeners into a gritty electro wonderland. Opening with a biting assault of strobing synth arpeggios and proto-electro drum programming, the track quickly mutates into a seething laboratory experiment. Packed with distorted computerised vocals and an avalanche of acid-drenched basslines, it spirals into the shadowy depths of Helsinki’s electro lineage, capturing the dystopian pulse and raw energy that defined this era.
‘Bonus Beats – Rare & Unreleased Finnish Electro 1990 – 2002‘ is scheduled for release 7th February via Cold Blow. Order a vinyl copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
1. B-Rock – My Mind Is Going
2. Orchestra Guacamole – Theme For “The Lost Diamonds”
3. Mr Velcro Fastener – Robotic Appliances (Original Demo)
4. Jori Hulkkonen – Whispers (Extended Dance Version)
5. Markus & Kristian – Hän Malli On
6. Spektor – Rubic’s Cube
7. Imatran Voima – It’s Time To Testify
8. Decepticons – We Are The Decepticons
9. Dr. Robotnik – Own Commands
10. Feng Shui – Hao Hao (I’m Back) feat. Monsieur
11. Brothomstates – Naeae Eletrok
12. Tero – Music