- I can imagine Future Beat Investigators sitting in a plush wood cabin studio in their home country of Finland, staring out at the beautiful light outside as the sun goes down and soaking it all up before turning it into plush and gently uplifting minimal house. And that's exactly what they've done here. This EP, like their previous 'Discomedusa' on Sonar Kollektiv, has touches of Detroit techno and a strong Theo Parrish influence. But what makes it so good is that their tracks are also full of soul.
The apex of the record is the breakdown of the title track, 'Forthosewhoknow', which left a chill going down my spine. A wave of early ‘90s sounding synths come out of nowhere and warp what's already a lovely, warm phrase into a hands-in-the air and hug-your-mate moment. There's a short pause before the soft organ beat and intelligently programmed drums kick in in a big way leaving, I'm sure, a lot of people dancing. 'Dark Suite' immediately recalls deep basement dubs but there's more here than your typical 6am darkened room fayre. Two sets of synth stabs, hi-hats that sound like they're being teased out and handclaps that evoke those Carl Craig used on 'Revelee' ensure that this is far superior to a mere b-side.
Future Beat Investigators have been getting props from the likes of Luke Solomon, Domu and Charles Webster. Those guys aren't usually off the mark, and they're not in this case.
TracklistA Forthosewhoknow
B Dark Suite