Cooking by NOOD: A Tech House Banger That Still Slaps in 2010
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—NOOD’s Cooking isn’t just another forgettable drop in the ocean of electronic music. This Colombian crew came out swinging with their 2010 release on Trebol Records, and damn, they brought the heat. It’s raw, it’s gritty, and it’s got that tech house vibe that makes you wanna lose your mind on the dancefloor. Let’s dive into this beast.
First up, the title track, “Cooking.” Man, this tune is FIRE. From the first beat, it grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The bassline? Ridiculous. It’s like someone took a jackhammer and turned it into pure groove. The kicks hit hard, but what really sticks is how they layer those hypnotic synths—it’s minimal, but every sound feels intentional, like they’re daring you to find something missing. Spoiler alert: you won’t. This track slaps so hard I still remember where I was the first time I heard it—some sweaty underground club in Bogotá, where everyone lost their shit as soon as the drop hit. Absolute chaos in the best way.
Then there’s “Aloka,” which flips the script just enough to keep things fresh. If “Cooking” is all about brute force, “Aloka” sneaks up on you with its vibe. The percussion here is wild—it’s not just drums; it’s like a whole conversation happening between hi-hats and claps. And that little vocal snippet? Perfectly placed. It’s the kind of track that grows on you after a few listens, but once it clicks, you’re hooked. You’ll catch yourself humming it at random times, trust me.
Now, I gotta say, this album ain’t perfect. Some tracks feel a bit repetitive if you’re not in the mood, but honestly? That’s part of its charm. NOOD didn’t come here to reinvent the wheel—they came to make you move, plain and simple. And when they nail it, like on “Cooking” and “Aloka,” it’s next-level stuff.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album now feels kinda bittersweet. Tech house has blown up since 2010, and while there’s plenty of great stuff out there, nothing hits quite like these early gems from Colombia. Maybe it’s nostalgia talking, or maybe NOOD really did capture lightning in a bottle. Either way, Cooking deserves more shine than it gets. So do yourself a favor—crank this up, turn off your brain, and let the beats take over. Your neighbors might hate you, but who cares? That’s what headphones are for.
