Album Review: Jamma by Tiger Balm
Alright, let’s dive into Jamma, the 1999 techno masterpiece from Tiger Balm. Released under Elephanthaus (cool label name, btw), this album is a solid slice of electronic goodness straight outta the US. It’s got that raw, unpolished vibe that makes you feel like you’re in some underground club with neon lights flickering and sweat dripping off the walls. Mastered by M.J.R., it’s tight but still has that gritty edge that screams late-night vibes.
Now, onto the tracks. The title track, Jamma, hits hard right from the get-go. It’s one of those tunes that just sticks with you—not because it’s overly complicated, but because it’s so damn hypnotic. The beat builds up slowly, layering in these weird little synth stabs that sound like they’re coming from another dimension. By the time it peaks, you’re fully locked in. I remember blasting this on a road trip once, windows down, and feeling like I was flying through space. Wild stuff.
Then there’s Saturn Salsa. Man, this one’s wild. It’s got this kinda salsa-inspired rhythm mixed with heavy techno kicks, which sounds like a recipe for disaster, but somehow it works. The percussion feels alive, almost like it’s dancing around your head while you listen. I think I played this track on repeat for an hour one night just zoning out to the groove. It’s one of those songs where you don’t know if you’re supposed to dance or just sit there staring into the void. Maybe both?
The other two tracks, Beats Pt. 1 and Beats Pt. 2, are solid too, but they’re more about setting the mood than stealing the spotlight. They’re like the glue holding the whole thing together—steady, reliable, and perfect for when you need something low-key but still engaging.
Looking back, Jamma feels like a forgotten gem in the world of ’90s techno. It’s not trying to be flashy or groundbreaking—it just does its thing and does it well. You can tell Tiger Balm wasn’t chasing trends; they were making music for people who live for the beat.
Funny thing though—listening to this now makes me wonder how many folks heard this back in the day and thought, “What even IS this?” Like, imagine being at a party in 1999, sipping a drink, and suddenly Saturn Salsa comes on. Half the room probably loved it, and the other half was just confused. Either way, it’s a trip.
So yeah, if you’re into techno that’s equal parts weird and wonderful, give Jamma a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up losing hours to it.
