MFR059 - Jori Hulkkonen as Third Culture - Do It feat. Olga Kouklaki - My Favorite Robot Records

My Favorite Robot proudly presents the label’s debut artist album, and with that they present something a little bit special. As one of the true electronic masters of his generation, Jori Hulkkonen comes with an almost untouchable reputation amongst his peers and fans, something label partners Jared Simms, James Teej and Voytek Korab all firmly agree on:

“Jori Hulkkonen was the first name on the page. We said to ourselves when we first launched the label, if we ever get to a point where we’re releasing albums, we have to get Jori. To have him release the first LP on our label is like a dream. He’s up there with the best – it’s as simple as that.”

High praise indeed. But, that’s exactly the type of admiration the prolific Finnish producer has received ever since releasing his debut album for Laurent Garnier’s legendary F.Communications back in 1996 (the first of 6 artist albums for the label). A connoisseur’s choice, Jori Hulkkonen’s albums (this, his 13th) have always had their own individual personalities, and ‘Negative Time’ is no different as Jori introduces a new direction and concept, under his latest moniker of Third Culture.

“A few years back I read a piece about Third Culture. The basic idea was to take hard science, like physics and mathematics and put them with literary humanist faculties, although instead of opposing them, the idea was to try and find the similarities and common ground between them. I instantly recognized that juxtaposition; it’s the exact same element I strive to find when I play live shows with all of my vintage hardware. Improvising and creating something unique – a human touch, but using electronical machinery – it was something I just had to explore further.” Jori Hulkkonen, 2012

Describing his approach in the same way a scientist might focus on a new test, or an architect a new build, it’s immediately clear that Jori’s creativity for soundscapes is above and beyond that of many of his peers. And, it’s rewarded with riches across ‘Negative Time’ as he delivers a true master class of deep electronica, ranging from ambient waves to leftfield pop to jacking house, ‘Negative Time’ sees flashes of all Jori’s influences and packages it into one of the finest electronic listening experiences you’re likely to hear all year.

Featuring vocals from Harri Falck, Olga Kouklaki and Jori himself (aka JiiHoo), this latest LP is arguably his most concise work to date, seamlessly fitting in with the cultured sounds of modern dance music, whilst possessing a timeless quality that should keep this album shining, and fans dancing, forever more.