Sunrise

Sunrise, the 11th release in Midijum’s catalogue, explores the realm of deep morning grooves circa 2002. Released at the tail end of the minimal movement, the tracks on Sunrise tend to show a high degree of refinement which is best expressed in a comment on psynews by freak51: “Never over-the-top, always in control.” The style is comparable to the releases of several other progressive/minimal labels of the time – Flow, Plastik Park, Tatsu, and Spiral Trax, for example. The cover design is as clean as the music, and the running time is 64 minutes. The CD is lightly mixed, unfortunately, as most Midijum/Medium releases are. Going deeper…

DJ Bog’s Visual Paradox project presents Timeless to open the compilation. This is a funky minimal groover with sedate progression and a hypnotic character. It is decently made, although there isn’t enough going on for my taste. Fans of post-millennial minimal might find it interesting however.

Neum (John Decaro) released less than ten tracks in his short career, and Tequila Sunrise is probably the best of the lot. I’ve always thought of this as the quintessential break-up tune, for it possesses a deeply moving melancholic sound. The funky rhythms that form the backbone of this sad tune are quite housey, but the combination works. This is classy and memorable – a favourite!

Stafan Gubatz, an artist with few other releases, delivers the very German track Der Achte Tag. The style is simplistic; unencumbered by any strong melodies or a psychedelic edge. It just floats along, with an easy grace, without making any kind of distinct impression.

M-Sphere’s Roots is my favourite from this old release. The combination of strong tribal drums, acoustic guitar, and pleasant melodies really works. Even the slight hints of male vocals somehow fits. If you enjoy tribal trance, this is definitely a track to check out.

Guide Bleifuss is produced by Treibstoff with assistance from Thomas Wilhelmy of Prisoners of the Sun. The arrangement is mathematically precise, with an intelligent approach to rhythmic programming and atmospheric composition. Everything falls into place at the exact right moment, building a strong state of trance in the Scandinavian style. Years later it still sounds tight. If you like the early productions by POTS, this is a must-have.

Mekano vs Autopsy – Smälandsrok digs deeper, exploring the fat and groovy sound of psychedelic techno. Only in the last few moments does the mood go beyond moody droning into something approximating carefree morning sounds. It’s a bit dull, but fans of the Scandosound might be into it.

Human Blue’s Flight 237 is a clean melodic tune in the style of Electric Harmony, Essence, and Carpe Diem. The title of the track should give a clue to the underlying concept: a trip through the airport, with the act of taking flight portrayed by the eventual melodic climax. Thematic samples are dropped into key transitions to skillfully express the progress of the storyline. On the electronic front, the rhythmic composition possesses the high degree of sophistication one would expect from this Swedish veteran. Strong drifting melodies surge from the half-way break, bringing the track to a sustained peak. The outcome is another gorgeous track from Dag Wallin, and one of the best of the release.

Matenda closes the compilation with Random Walk, a luscious voyage layered in warm atmospheric pads and crisp Scandinavian melodies. The kick drum is toned way down, leaving room for a steady pulsing bass line to shine. It is a fine choice for the final song.

Sunrise strikes a good balance between melody and minimalism. The strongest impression I received from this compilation was one of pure class. Years later, these smooth progressive grooves still sound solid. Sunrise might seem too mellow for some ears, but it is precisely this quality which makes this compilation such a good selection for home listening. Recommended.

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