This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Notes From the Underground: iNSiDEaMiND's 'FragMental'
Artist: iNSiDEaMiND
Album: FragMental
Release Date: late 2006
Label: Public Transit Recordings
When one thinks of turntablists from the Great White North, most would immediately think of the hyperkinetic Kid Koala, but no, he ain't the only one with wheels of steel in the land of ice and snow. Toronto's iNSiDEaMiND is composed of Professor Fingers and Steptone and their flavor of scratch magic is much more mellow, ambient, and atmospheric than the battle-DJ mentality that seems to dominate the turntable scene.
I'm not sure how I'd feel about seeing their EP, FragMental, performed live as it is so much like a soundtrack - but listening to it on my interminable commute home was more than pleasant. The opening track is a bit of a throwaway intro to iNSiDEaMiND but this jumps into the almost Coldcut-y 'Laughing life', the best tune on the EP IMHO.
Buzz your way through the nearly ambient 'Bee love' and then you're sent off into space with 'Twinkle twinkle' and 'What's your excuse for being late?' Devotees of club DJing are going to be disappointed with the downtempo pace and if this was a full-length album iNSiDEaMiND would have to have a couple tracks with a bit more juice in them but I have no complaints to this limited exposure and look forward to their next efforts. [Below is 'Laughing life]
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
