Review - Brothomstates

Title - Claro
Artist(s) - Brothomstates
Label - Warp
Rating - (06/10)

‘Claro’ is the debut album from new Warp signing Brothomstates, aka Lassi Nikko.

On first listen, ‘Claro’ sounds very familiar. The music is not dissimilar to Funkstorung or Jega, and there are clear Black Dog influences, with much of the music revolving around delicate melodies and warm atmospherics. After a light opening track, stuttering, scattered drums drive the album forward and the tunes can get enjoyably chaotic at some points. However, ‘Claro’ can sometimes sound a bit too much like homage to the work of other artists.

Nevertheless, there is a real gem of a track waiting at the end of the album. ‘Viimo’ is beautiful Warp techno through and through - probably one of the best records of 2001. Given that ‘Claro’ is Brothomstate’s first outing, they are definitely a name to keep an eye on.

Reviewed by Ronnie