Album Review: Sarawak by Yekuana – A 1996 UK Electronic Gem That Still Kicks
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Sarawak, an album that feels like it was beamed straight outta the ‘90s rave scene but somehow still sounds fresh today. Released in 1996 on Skinnymalinky Records (what a name, right?), this UK-born masterpiece blends Progressive House, Breakbeat, and Progressive Trance with enough energy to power a small village—or at least your next late-night drive.
Now, let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t some overly polished, sterile electronic record. Nope. It’s raw, layered, and brimming with character—like someone spilled glitter all over their MPC and just went for it. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
Track Highlights: The Ones That Stuck Like Gum on My Sneakers
First up, there’s “Sarawak (Strength And Harmony).” If I had to pick one track to sum up the vibe of this album, this would be it. From the opening beat, you’re hit with this hypnotic groove that feels equal parts tribal and futuristic. It’s like being chased through a jungle by robots playing bongos. Weird? Sure. Addictive? Absolutely. There’s something about how the synths swell and dip—it pulls you in like a good Netflix binge. You think you’ll listen once; suddenly, it’s 4 AM, and you’ve looped it ten times.
Then there’s “Asha,” which is basically the musical equivalent of finding $20 in your old jeans. It starts off chill, almost understated, but then BAM!—those breakbeats kick in, and suddenly you’re not just tapping your foot anymore; you’re full-on chair-dancing like nobody’s watching. The melody has this dreamy quality, like staring at clouds while sipping cheap coffee. But don’t let its laid-back vibe fool you—it’s got teeth. By the time the track peaks, you’ll feel like you’ve been plugged into a neon-lit arcade machine.
Why This Album Still Matters
Here’s the kicker: Sarawak came out in ’96—a year when people were still figuring out what the internet even was—but it doesn’t sound dated. Sure, some of the production quirks scream ‘90s kid, but that’s part of its charm. It’s like wearing vintage sneakers: they might squeak a little, but damn do they look cool.
And can we talk about those titles? “Sarawak (Full Circle)” and “Sarawak (Singing Bell)” sound more like incantations than song names. Maybe that’s intentional. Listening to this album feels a bit like casting a spell—you lose yourself in its loops and layers until reality fades away.
Final Thoughts: Wait… Is That a Koala?
If you’re into electronic music that’s unapologetically weird yet undeniably catchy, Sarawak deserves a spot in your collection. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing echoes of “Strength And Harmony” every time you walk past a club. Oh, and fun fact: I’m pretty sure I saw a koala wearing headphones jamming to this album last week. True story. Or maybe I need more sleep. Either way, give it a spin—you won’t regret it.
