This American electronic project started in 2002 as Tonik, released various cd-r discs, then changed it’s name into Tonikom, of which now the debut album Epoch is released by Hymen records. It touches the idm electro such as you might know from mind.in.a.box, but also industrial Ant-Zen or Hands style. Add styles such as breakbeat, techno and trance to that, be it firmly rooted in the 90’s. Industrial ambient and idm is dominant though. Tonikom states she is influenced by Underworld, The Orb and Leftfield, but also Beefcake. This comparison is not that strange and one can furthermore add Meat Beat Manifesto to that. It has to be said that Tonikom is stronger at it’s ‘Beefcake moments’ than with the retro electronica approach which includes straightforward drum ‘n bass, or techno industrial. The tribal ambient tracks are the most fun. Sometimes it strongly reminds of Future Sound of London, but....less good. The diversity of stylistic influences as a whole doesn’t work very positively as every track brings in something different instead of a smooth integration of it all. The patterns that have been created with the sequencer however do keep the ambient soundscapes nicely together so that it doesn’t sound too uncomprehensive all in all. Epoch is a nice release but the feeling that it could have been more won’t go away, especially given the obvious talent of Tonikom.
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