- Reliability comes in all shapes and sizes. Phonogenic, aka Tuomas Salmela, might not have nearly the same mass-production output rate as fellow Scandinavian John Dahlback, but he has remained a consistent fixture in tech house circles, having released on Poker Flat and Moodmusic amongst others. The three tracks on ‘Rooma’ are described as 'laidback and rolling' in the accompanying release info, which hints that Salmela might be leaning toward the deep house he has been known to dabble with on labels such as Guidance, but let’s not forget this is issued on Boxer offshoot Kickboxer. Unsurprisingly, the result is tougher electro-tinged stuff in line with the label’s Jean Claude Van Damme manifesto.
Title track 'Rooma' is a tough, meaty beginning, although perhaps it’s too undercooked to digest easily. In fact, the aftertaste might leave diners a little queasy – this is blobby house at its most average, and it doesn’t in any respect rise above its plenty of soundalike competition. Yet fear not, Phonogenic worshippers, redemption is at hand: On the flip Tuomas gets his techno on to give a much better account of himself. 'Tunnel Runner' has a more rolling quality with spacey keys countering its plugging, tonal rhythms, suggesting an influence from fellow Scandy Joel Mull. Not exactly awe inspiring stuff, and not ranking up there with Salmela's best, the track is still effective club gear in many respects. Rounding off this little trio is 'Kuukadisco', a Finnish disco of sorts one might assume, and for me it’s the most playable track here. The start/stop gurgling bassline is really just a modern facelift on Moroder’s template, but it provides enough oomph to keep things interesting.
TracklistA Rooma
B1 Tunnel Runner
B2 Kuukaudisco