Roupe – Strom

in terms of variety and quality this has to be one of the top releases of 1995 - gonna make everyone happy, both downtempo and club heads

Roupe had only a brief career, but his debut, STROM, suggests the career that could have been if he had continued. The album came at the height of IDM, and right from the swoon and kick drum of “Ivy Green,” you can hear something special going on with the complex interplay of melody and texture. “My Other Planet” continues this, but in a minor key, while “Corvus 22” opts for some deep electro with some fascinating percussion underneath before shifting to a woodwind-based groove. “10/21a” floats in dubby outer space for a bit, and “Sula Bassana” pushes that a bit further. “Reg (Dub Version)” brings in some jazz elements with its keys, though it keeps that bass plenty deep. “De Lacey” hints at some Middle Eastern vibes with what sounds like a vocal drone in the background, whereas “Reg (Original)” has more dub than the Dub Version. “Tiffin” closes the album on a funky whisper, with the jazzy keys making a reappearance.

Yep, Strom doesn't fit any easy classification and sounds very fresh even in 2020. Techno as a wide umbrella where notes of jazz, funk, ambient, etc intersect. And as of today, still at bargain prices for those adventurous listeners.

such a killer this album, a purchase you won't regret spending money on..