Album Review: MRT003 Various Artists – A Swedish Electronic Gem
If you’re into the kind of beats that make your head nod and your feet shuffle without even realizing it, MRT003 Various Artists by Maraton—records is worth a spin. Released in 2020, this Swedish release dives deep into the electronic scene, blending techno, minimal, and house vibes with finesse. It’s not trying too hard to be cool—it just is. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
Let’s talk tracks for a sec. First up, “Scotoma.” This one grabs you right away with its hypnotic groove. The rhythm feels like it’s tiptoeing around your brain, teasing you to move but never fully giving in. There’s something about how the layers build up—subtle tweaks here, tiny drops there—that keeps you hooked. You don’t notice it at first, but once it sinks in, it’s hard to shake off. I found myself zoning out while listening, only to snap back and realize I’d been tapping my foot nonstop. Props to Michelle Grinser for mastering this gem; she really brought out the depth.
Then there’s “Offworlden,” which feels like stepping into another dimension. The track has this airy, almost alien vibe (hence the name, maybe?). The synths are crisp, and the bassline rolls along so smoothly, it’s like riding a hoverboard through an empty city at night. It’s not overly complicated, but sometimes simplicity hits harder than anything flashy. Every time I hear it, I picture neon lights reflecting off wet pavement. Weirdly cinematic? Yeah, totally.
The other tunes—like “Track 2” and “Voyhay”—are solid too, though they didn’t leave as big of an impression on me personally. They still fit perfectly within the album’s flow, adding texture and variety without feeling out of place. It’s clear these artists knew what they were doing when crafting their contributions.
What strikes me most about MRT003 is how cohesive it feels despite being a compilation. Each track brings its own flavor, yet everything blends seamlessly under the umbrella of Maraton—records’ vision. Sweden knows how to do electronic music justice, no doubt.
Here’s the random thought I’ll leave you with: Listening to this album feels like having a conversation with someone who doesn’t say much but says all the right things. It’s understated, thoughtful, and leaves space for interpretation. Kinda like… well, imagine if robots made chillout playlists after watching indie films. Odd analogy? Maybe. But hey, isn’t that what good music does—makes you think weird stuff?
Give MRT003 Various Artists a shot if you’re hunting for fresh electronic sounds. Just don’t blame me if “Scotoma” gets stuck in your head for days!
