Gimmik - News From The Past
[Toytronic]

This new EP from Toytronic's Gimmik is a collection of older and unreleased recordings all dating back from between the period of 1994 to 2000. News From The Past also ties in nicely with the recent reissue of Gimmik's debut and Toytronic's first ever release, the Load Error EP.

It was with the ultra scarce Load Error 10" that electronica veteran Gimmik first shot into the limelight, seeing the artist gain huge admiration on the scene and helping Toytronic gain it's current respected and much collectable status along the way. With a handful of equally impressive follow-up releases, including the Rythmus Der Stadt 10" and the immense full length LP Back To Basics, Martin Haidinger has continued to produced consistently excellent and top grade electronica, with no hints of weakening.

Floating Clear the EP's opening tune, is trademark Gimmik, offering up massive kick drum beats, warm basslines and string-like synths stretching in the background. It's reminiscent of the high standards displayed on the Back To Basics album and sees Haidinger at his most fierce and direct. Live tracks Share Some Grammar and Radar Aviation date back to 1995 and 1994 repectively, with the first built around a refrained semi hip-hop loop and the latter mixing up ambience and electro at the same time.

Typologic is another easily recognisable Gimmik song, taking a direct route of melodic synths, emotive drones and intricate drum arrangements that stab like acid beats. This is in complete contrast with the EP's closer Scope, a three minute song of complete chillout - free of beats and an emphasis on reflective ambient sounds and emotion.

Surprisingly, none of the music offered has appeared to have aged. As equally vibrant and effective as it was all those years back, Haidinger's music has stood the test of time and likes set to continue in that way. News From The Past certainly whets the appetite for a new Gimmik album - one can only wait with anticipation.