FOUNDATIONS: MARK BROOM
A dedicated, hardworking man in the techno arena.
Friends.
It’s Friday, you know the score.
This week Stef brings us one of the Generals of UK techno.
MARK BROOM
Londoner Mark Broom began his career in 1992, releasing on General Production Recordings. A dedicated, hardworking man in the techno arena, Mark found his production style by 1994; however, like Steve Pickton, he kept a low profile. He has one alias, Lighter Thief, and has worked in 35 groups, notably with numerous critically essential artists, some of whom are highlighted in these pieces, here and here.
Mark is best known and, I would hope, most appreciated for his work on Peter Adshead’s label, Ifach, where his productions were experimental and advanced in scope and additionally known for his own label, Pure Plastic and its three sub-labels, where he worked with Dave Hill on material that was predominately less complex, dance floor-oriented productions moving away from that familiar and ever-so comforting deep chord work; however, not all.
Though it can be said most, but not all current electronic music lacks depth and sophistication, is deficient in soul, which I can only conclude, describing it as empty: void and unable to evoke positive emotion. This coupled with the music industry’s inappropriate dark messaging and direction, then it is correct to say music productions made today are tailored explicitly for this current messed-up-industry, which unequivocally demonstrates what Ben rightly said on last week’s post with which I agree wholeheartedly. Stop the nonsense and return with heart; work hard and create quality electronic music, void of what is not needed.
That said, Mark is a phenomenally talented producer, just like the others mentioned in the ‘Foundations’ series, and it is his more experimental side where my admiration lies firmly. One where he makes sophisticated techno, full of evolving patterns, layered with emotion, whether in percussion or chord work, and featuring fine, intricate percussion programming. When he combines this precision production style, even the soul of that methodology, with his floor-oriented approach, it yields high-quality techno, as I will demonstrate.
Case in point: Mark Broom - Snap Shot EP.
‘Snap Shot’
‘Gurkha’
‘Brikhead’
Beautiful quality techno: music done with utmost care, thought and patience, full of deep, gorgeous melody and fine percussive programming and absolutely for the dance floor. It is the emotive beauty that emanates from these pieces that never fails to go deep into my soul, engaging my heart. Truly comforting. It is music done with this work ethic that is quintessentially so and precisely what is needed in electronic music.
Also make sure to check out these two gems on ‘Shuffle This’, found on Russ Gabriel’s label, Ferox.
‘Still Like It’
This syncopated, 303 number:
‘I Remember’
Even the percussive track ‘Rhino’, below, found on ‘Drift’ which came out on Steve O’Sullivan’s Mosaic label, has considerably more depth than most current productions: the rhythm is tribal, and the percussion, in this instance, has pitch, creating perceivable melody. Simple, yes; however, the point conveyed is that it connects.
‘Rhino’
In general, the work ethic and love for true art have gone; that true connective soul between people through electronic music has been stripped out, and it shows. For now...!
THE WORK WITH DAVE HILL
This powerful release on Pure Plastic features Dave Hill, an exceptional, talented producer. Two pieces of deep and atmospheric techno, a release that instantly draws you in to its infectious grooves. Not overly complicated; nonetheless beautiful in mood.
‘Sliced’
‘Thumb’
RUE EAST
Mark and Dave’s Persona, Rue East, released ‘Indoor Culture’ in 2001, featuring the widely known, sensational ‘Birmingham’ track with those distinct, menacing chords, which many techno heavyweights have remixed.
‘Birmingham’
With special thanks to Anthony Childs, Ben Sims and Claude Young, along with its music productions, this release convincingly and firmly locates itself between Detroit and the UK, specifically Birmingham.
This album hosts tracks like ‘Toothpaste’, ‘Winter’, and ‘We Need Air’ layered with Detroit-influenced melody lines and percussion, whilst other tracks are in that heavy-hitting ‘Dynamic Tension /Downwards’ style. ‘Snug Bar’ which has that fine, Arthur Smith / Grain feel to it. ‘All good’ has that USA stripped techno vibe and reminds me very much of Function; Dave Sumner, especially this one comes to mind.
There is a beatless track as the intro to the album and a short track, 3, ‘Bell’, which is, well, a bell; however, this piece has pulse and ‘Stern Promise’ with its delightful offbeat beginning, all of which add context to this album’s message of Timeless Techno.
An album that reminds me of USA and UK techno styles by artists; however, it leans more towards UK techno. In places, it even highlights the production styles of Jeff Mills and Planetary Assault Systems. It is a fascinating listen.
Be sure to check out the album in its entirety.
My picks from Rue East. Remember these!
‘Selector’
‘Past Times’
And ‘Remove’ with its distinct violin melody line.
Fond memories, heard this during one of Jeff Mills’ live sets; needless to say, the room erupted. Wonderful.
REPEAT
Andy Turner, Dave Hill, Ed Handley, and Mark Broom are Repeat. One of my favourites from this collaboration, in its entirety, is this quality EP, Easter. Sublime.
‘Easter’
The other track by Mark Broom and Dave Hill is Scattered. For listening, go here.
IFACH
What Mark produced for Ifach, which I brought to your attention here, is something to be inspired by. He was involved in 24 of the 25 releases for this label, showing unrelenting commitment and work ethic: what is notable is the attention to detail with a diverse range and depth in his productions under nine aliases on one label; there is a clear distinction between them, managing to keep the productions tight, never losing quality, not once. This production style is where Mark’s true aptitude lies.
Just amazing.
Two from Sympletic.
‘Jijon’
‘Thin Crust’; simply my pick along with ‘Snap Shot’ EP.
Until the next one, be safe and stay true.
Peace and Love
Stef
This piece really made me think about the decline in current electronic music's depth, echoing Ben's astute observaions from last week's post on industry direction.