The Balancer by Norm Feat XYZ – A Tech House Gem That Still Hits
Let’s cut to the chase: The Balancer is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2008 by German producer Norm (Feat XYZ—yeah, I don’t know who they are either), this little slice of tech house goodness came out on Mylo Recordings. It’s not gonna change your life or anything, but damn if it doesn’t make you wanna move.
First off, let’s talk about “The Balancer (Groove Rebels Remix).” This track? Straight fire. The groove is so tight it feels like it’s hugging your brain. The bassline bounces around just enough to keep things interesting without going full-on chaotic. And the drop? Oh man, it’s one of those moments where you’re like, “Wait, what year is it again?” It’s simple yet super effective, kinda like when you throw on an old hoodie and realize it still fits perfectly. You’ll remember this one because it doesn’t try too hard—it just works.
Then there’s “The Balancer (Norm’s Get The Balance Dub).” If the first track is all about energy, this one’s more like a late-night chill session with friends. The dub elements give it a dreamy vibe, like you’re floating through space but somehow still dancing. There’s something hypnotic about how the layers build and fade. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you forget you’re listening to music—it just becomes part of the atmosphere. Like, you might not even notice it at first, but then BOOM, you’re vibing harder than expected.
I mean, sure, it’s not groundbreaking stuff, but isn’t that the point of tech house sometimes? It’s functional, fun, and unpretentious. Plus, coming from Germany—a country that basically invented being cool while staying low-key—it makes total sense.
Fun fact: I once played “The Balancer (Groove Rebels Remix)” at a BBQ, and my buddy spilled his drink because he got distracted trying to figure out what song it was. True story. Maybe that’s the real legacy of this album: making people momentarily lose their minds (and their beverages).
So yeah, if you’re into tech house or just need some tunes to soundtrack your next existential crisis, check this out. Just don’t blame me if you end up spending hours figuring out who XYZ is.