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Somebody on Discogs complained just a few weeks after this was published in December ’25. It would have been nice if a few more copies had made it to the UK. Looks like it was sold out pretty fast. I don’t know if I just moved early on a repress or if I just had a lot of luck to get one. Couldn’t care less, to be honest. I’m happy to have it.
My first Martinou, but this fine EP on Nous’klaer makes me think there should be more added soon, both from his back catalogue and even more from future releases if he keeps it on this level. Martinou is a guy from Malmö, Sweden, with releases that span a good dozen years. Martin Strömstedt is known for a decidedly emotional approach to the dancefloor, and most of the selections on “Always There” are strong examples of his warm and sometimes even hymnal take on House and Techno.
The only track on “Always There” that takes a slightly different approach is “Surge”, adding a cooler, acidy and functional note, making it the one track that keeps a small distance to the listener while the other three all but hug you. It chugs along for a while, building a good amount of suspense, and eventually morphs into something that is slightly Electro, suddenly much more immediate and close and opening the space at the same time. Nice trick.
Still, the tracks that are more “typical” Martinou are more convincing. Like “Ready To Let Go” for example, a track that starts out like a straight roller that gradually picks up a slight trance tinge and builds continuously and elegantly towards a lavish break that calls up memories of early Âme masterpieces. This will work fabulously in summer nights when you want the dancefloor to collectively float.
It’s hard to say which track is strongest on this EP. Maybe it’s “Find Me”? Deep voluminous kick, sweeping synths, rich trancey melodies and unabashed emotionality – this thing occupies your head if you don’t shy away from dreamy chords and melodies. It’s okay to let them get to you, make you loosen up and sigh, if you allow the track to spread a few moments of hope and peace on the dancefloors of a world that has become unhinged. Find this and slip out of everything for a while.
Or is it “Paean”? This one starts out much more airy, with a less voluminous kick and a touch of tribal, and when you thought that “Find Me” got you all emotional, “Paean” takes it to an even deeper level. The drums give you forward energy while the synths make you pause and reflect – a beautiful duality that lets you ride on wishes, memories, aspirations and all kinds of feelings, you’re dancing your way through soothing dreamscapes, carried by a strong and comforting beat. I can’t remember when Techno was last this deeply emotional and all-embracing. Can’t wait to play it.
Release for review:
MARTINOU – ALWAYS THERE – NOUS’KLAER AUDIO – NOUS’KLAER AUDIO 043
Get the vinyl/digital on Bandcamp: Click
Get the vinyl on Juno: Click
If sold out, try Discogs: Click