Description
Undeniably, eclectic Brazilian artist Amon Tobin stands as a dynamic figure in the electronic world. His musical journey, which took flight in the early ’90s, has been nothing short of exceptional. The album “Nomark Selects, Vol. 2”, released in 2025, is an incredible testament to that. Undulating through various genres, Tobin stays true to his signature sound, crafting intricate soundscapes that mesmerize and effectively transport listeners to an alternate sonic realm.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1972, Tobin’s early life encompassed much globe-trotting, with residences spanning Morocco, the Netherlands, London, and Portugal, finally anchoring in Brighton, England, as a teenager. No stranger to the enchanting world of electronic music, Tobin had an early start, honing his skills in the confinement of his room. Fast forward a few decades, and Tobin has an impressive portfolio boasting eight major studio albums under Ninja Tune, a renowned London-based record label. His work also comprises two intriguing albums under the pseudonym Two Fingers, a collaborative venture with Doubleclick.
Often seen as an audacious artist pushing the boundaries, Tobin’s creations have found their way into various settings outside the usual music venues. From the big screen to highly acclaimed video games like Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Sucker Punch’s Infamous, his music continues to fascinate and entrall. “Nomark Selects, Vol. 2” is no exception, successfully showcasing Tobin’s unapologetic experimentalism and inventive approach to sound design.
The peculiarly captivating ‘NEVA’ in the album, for instance, experiments with post-dubstep, whereas “Deep Freda” under his Two Fingers persona gracefully navigates through frenetic techno, leaving listeners pleasantly surprised. It’s this ability to weave diverse sounds together that sets Tobin apart and makes him a revered figure in the music world.
Influences from other illustrious musicians like Quincy Jones and Miles Davis are apparent but subtly reinterpreted. Tobin brings freshness to the table, fusing his sound with elements reminiscent of artists like DJ Food, Funki Porcini, The Herbaliser, and Coldcut. His innovative use of jazz instrument samples has particularly earned him wide acclaim, and his albums have often been regarded as classic productions from his time.
Amon Tobin successfully embarks on yet another sonic odyssey with “Nomark Selects, Vol. 2”. An ambitious testament to his ingenious tact and distinctive style, this album is undeniably Tobin in his purest form. With references to artists like DJ Food and The Herbaliser, he remains true to his sonic heritage while pushing the boundaries to explore unknown territories.
